
Trailer
Preview: 10/10/2025 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
The untold story of King Records, the underdog label that transformed American music and culture.
"King of Them All" unfolds like a listening session with history. From James Brown’s soul to the Stanley Brothers’ bluegrass, King Records shaped genres that still echo today. Guided by voices like Seymour Stein, Vince Gill, and Christian McBride, the film restores a lost legacy.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback

Trailer
Preview: 10/10/2025 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
"King of Them All" unfolds like a listening session with history. From James Brown’s soul to the Stanley Brothers’ bluegrass, King Records shaped genres that still echo today. Guided by voices like Seymour Stein, Vince Gill, and Christian McBride, the film restores a lost legacy.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records
King of Them All: The Story of King Records is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
(upbeat music) - When you think about the legacy of James Brown, much of that was created here in Cincinnati.
- The history of King Records is pretty astounding in that it had the diversity.
- [Commentator] Mixing R&B, blues, and country music.
- Because there is no clear sonic color line.
- I think Cincinnati has a very legitimate claim to be the birthplace of rock and roll.
(upbeat music)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 10/10/2025 | 3m 18s | James Brown’s “Please, Please, Please” fused gospel fire with pop. (3m 18s)
The Risqué Sound of Hank Ballard
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 10/10/2025 | 3m 7s | Hank Ballard’s bold, risqué songs pushed boundaries and helped shape soul music. (3m 7s)
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