Ben E. King (ne Benjamin Nelson)- lead singer of the Drifters in the late '50s and early '60s before scoring solo hits with "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand By Me", among others.
Great compilations of Kings- my favorite is King Pleasures song used in the tv sitcom fraiser just love that tune. Thanks for the great music for a dreary Tuesday!😘
Thanks for using a good excuse for an even better playlist that rampages through the eras. You will be aware that we carried a sign on Saturday stating "The only King worth emulating was Dr. King" but that was in part because we can't all put footnotes on our banners.
The King Curtis track is killer, and so is Freddie King. I can't tell if he's wearing a plectrum on his right thumb but he's picking with the rest of his fingers, no wonder he needed those Bloody Marys.
And because lists like these are there to be had, two observations: 1) Carole King was, of course, born Carol Klein, among a whole generation(s) of Jewish Americans that felt the need to Americanize their names if they were to succeed, especially in music. I am relieved that is no longer deemed necessary (I hope)! And... And once you moved beyond names and into honorifics, I wish you had given a further shoutout to Elvis, if only because he surely is/was the nearest this country ever came to Royalty, no?
Well, I'd already pledged my fealty to Elvis in previous posts, so I wanted to make room for some other mighty monarchs — and, as you mention, there are a great many other worthy additions that could be made to this list. (How did I forget Reg King of The Action? D'oh!)
As for Freddie King, he wore a plastic plectrum on his thumb and a metal one on the tip of his index finger — if you look closely in the clip, you can see the metal glinting on his finger. Definitely a unique approach!
Yeah, that King Missile dude (John S. Hall) had a brief moment there in the early ‘90’s.
He had another cut which made me chuckle. My long time friend (and noted Lava Sutra fan) Dave F. once threw it on a mix-tape he gave me, even though he was brought up in the Jewish faith!
And believe it or not, the opening band for the Police in Austin on their Synchronicity tour (1984) was Joe "King" Carrasco and the Clowns. Not in my pantheon, but memorable.
They frequently explore different styles, so if some albums don't resonate, it's possible that one of their others might charm you. I personally like their more metal albums. I especially love their 2023 album "PetroDragonic Apocalypse" and the band's relentless commitment to the album's concept in songwriting, performance, lyrics, and album cover.
King Floyd!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXtSI3QSPTk
Excellent choice!
Ben E. King (ne Benjamin Nelson)- lead singer of the Drifters in the late '50s and early '60s before scoring solo hits with "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand By Me", among others.
Oh yeah — “Supernatural Thing” is a jam, as well!
Yes, excellent song.
King Tubby forever!
Amen!
Great compilations of Kings- my favorite is King Pleasures song used in the tv sitcom fraiser just love that tune. Thanks for the great music for a dreary Tuesday!😘
My pleasure, Lisa!
Tapestry is one of my favorite albums ever. All hail King King!
Thanks for using a good excuse for an even better playlist that rampages through the eras. You will be aware that we carried a sign on Saturday stating "The only King worth emulating was Dr. King" but that was in part because we can't all put footnotes on our banners.
The King Curtis track is killer, and so is Freddie King. I can't tell if he's wearing a plectrum on his right thumb but he's picking with the rest of his fingers, no wonder he needed those Bloody Marys.
And because lists like these are there to be had, two observations: 1) Carole King was, of course, born Carol Klein, among a whole generation(s) of Jewish Americans that felt the need to Americanize their names if they were to succeed, especially in music. I am relieved that is no longer deemed necessary (I hope)! And... And once you moved beyond names and into honorifics, I wish you had given a further shoutout to Elvis, if only because he surely is/was the nearest this country ever came to Royalty, no?
Cheers Dan...
Well, I'd already pledged my fealty to Elvis in previous posts, so I wanted to make room for some other mighty monarchs — and, as you mention, there are a great many other worthy additions that could be made to this list. (How did I forget Reg King of The Action? D'oh!)
As for Freddie King, he wore a plastic plectrum on his thumb and a metal one on the tip of his index finger — if you look closely in the clip, you can see the metal glinting on his finger. Definitely a unique approach!
"What are some of your favorite musical Kings?" Why, Guitar Gable and the Musical Kings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LkOYisVDQs
(While "Rex" is Latin for "King", "Excello" is Latin for "I excel".)
Excellent choice! I've been looking for a nice copy of "Congo Mombo" for a while!
Fun read. Joe “King” Carrasco was a favorite in college. Anyone who bows at the altar of Doug Sahm is ok by me.
A surprisingly fun concept which, you demonstrate, allows broad flexibility and depth. . .
I'll offer two more, in that spirit of ranging widely. First, in this fantastic early track Mighty Sparrow is introduced as "King Sparrow " -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHLW8fE-umM&list=RDLHLW8fE-umM&start_radio=1
Second let's appreciate the live music from the King Biscuit Flower Hour! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Biscuit_Flower_Hour
https://youtu.be/9inOtq0Ayek?si=W-Gyrfq3aW1r_G2G
Ah yes! "Detachable Penis" was also a big fave among my college crowd.
Yeah, that King Missile dude (John S. Hall) had a brief moment there in the early ‘90’s.
He had another cut which made me chuckle. My long time friend (and noted Lava Sutra fan) Dave F. once threw it on a mix-tape he gave me, even though he was brought up in the Jewish faith!
https://youtu.be/mSfa56tjBQo?si=l9Z0I4LuA75-iI5V
And believe it or not, the opening band for the Police in Austin on their Synchronicity tour (1984) was Joe "King" Carrasco and the Clowns. Not in my pantheon, but memorable.
I suspect the Police played "King of Pain" too!
That 'Whole Lotta Love' is totally boss.
Seriously!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3akikjCNP3M
It's a supernatural delight!
Love the Freddie King inclusion, saw him live last century. His version of “Going Down” is amazing!
I'm willing to bow to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard!
I've never really been able to get into them. Can you suggest a good place to (re)start?
They frequently explore different styles, so if some albums don't resonate, it's possible that one of their others might charm you. I personally like their more metal albums. I especially love their 2023 album "PetroDragonic Apocalypse" and the band's relentless commitment to the album's concept in songwriting, performance, lyrics, and album cover.
Thanks, I’ll check it out!
Love seeing King Tubby on here!!
A few great Kings from me:
• “Love and Pride” by King:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3oGcHyoXwBMIAXkgIzLoQn
• “Trouble Again” by King Kong:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0b6xv6AnN3UsycZ5cwYZxJ
• “Rational” by King Cobb Steelie:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5QRFOOJZ0y4ccO9bfXk42f
• “You Just Want” by King Creosote:
https://open.spotify.com/track/27NeHu0I2gCJ6lyIiSEXcy
This is fantastic