Syd Nathan

Syd Nathan established King Records in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1943. He created a self-sufficient operation that included a recording studio, publishing company, pressing plant, and distribution system. Nathan was known for buying songwriting rights for small sums and claiming authorship under the name Lois Mann. He hired Henry Glover and Ralph Bass to supervise recordings, who brought in a diverse range of artists including country stars, blues singers, and vocal groups. Notably, James Brown, who became a major star, recorded his first single for King Records, despite Nathan's initial reservations. Nathan was one of many entrepreneurs who capitalized on the growing market for music in clubs and bars, particularly serving the African American community, during a time when major record labels had largely overlooked this demographic.12