UB Preview: ‘King of Them All: The Story of King Records’

“King of Them All: The Story of King Records,” a new feature-length documentary directed and produced by Cincinnati filmmaker Yemi Oyediran, will premiere nationwide this Friday, October 10th, 2025, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS.

Bringing to light the untold story of one of America’s most groundbreaking record labels.

Founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan, King Records reshaped the American musical landscape by recording country, rhythm & blues, and rock ’n’ roll under one roof—at a time when the music industry, and the nation itself, was divided by race and genre.

The label launched the careers of legendary artists, including James Brown, Wynonie Harris, Hank Ballard, Little Willie John, The Stanley Brothers, and countless others whose influence can still be heard today.

Blending rare archival footage, newly colorized film reels, hand-drawn 1950s-style animation, and exclusive interviews with musicians, historians, and industry veterans.

“King of Them All: The Story of King Records” is both a love letter to Cincinnati and a testament to King Records’ outsized role in shaping global popular music.

The film underscores the Midwest’s central role in American music history and features commentary from Vince Gill, Christian McBride, Seymour Stein, Tammy Kernodle, Alan Leeds, Clyde Brown, Daru Jones, John Curley, and others, alongside newly unearthed perspectives from the families of King Records’ artists and staff.

Check Out The UB Previews + New Teaser!