King of Them All: The Story of King Records

James Brown’s Explosive Debut

James Brown’s breakout hit “Please, Please, Please” drew directly from the gospel tradition, channeling its pleading repetition and raw emotion into a new sound. Misunderstood by critics but electrifying to audiences, the song became a turning point in popular music, marking the rise of Brown’s unmatched career and the birth of a new era in soul.

James Brown’s Explosive Debut

3m 18s

  • King of Them All: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    King of Them All

    S2025 E1 - 55m 25s

    "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.

PBS PASSPORT

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA+ and PBS Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.