We’ll trace King Records’ history from its founding in 1943 to its closing in 1968, highlighting important songs and artists. King was successful and its music distinctive because of founder Syd Nathan’s business acumen, Cincinnati’s location as an intersection of White and Black migration from the South, and King’s policy of racial integration of employees and musicians. Listen (and dance if you like) to King songs like “Hillbilly Boogie,” “I’ll Drown in My Own Tears,” “The Twist,” and “Fever.”

Christine Anderson, Xavier University Professor Emerita and President of King Studios, a nonprofit educating the public about King Records. She directed creation of Traveling Suitcase exhibits, which won the Cincinnati Preservation Association’s Education Award. Recently, she has appeared in Yemi Oyediran’s documentary, The King of them All.

Location: Miami University Voice of America Learning Center

7847 VOA Park Dr., West Chester, OH 45069