This Saturday night, June 23rd at 11pm, you'll hear a King Records special about three musicians who recorded country music there. In 2008, I spoke with Orangie Ray Hubbard, Jr Spivey, and Herman Cress about their work at King Records. Orangie Ray Hubbard came into the studio on 5/20/08 and returned a second time with Jr Spivey on 8/5/08. I also had a conversation with Herman Cress on 10/14/08. Herman Cress played upright bass in Orangie Ray Hubbard's band with Jr Spivey on guitar.
During this one-hour special, you'll hear Orangie talk about his roots in Barbourville, KY, his life in Detroit, and his move back to Cincinnati and his musical career. He discusses payola, Rusty York's studio, Syd Nathan, and Louis Innis. Jr Spivey shares his memories of recording with another King Records musician, Hank Ballard, as well as recording with Orangie Ray Hubbard and playing with Lonnie Mack. Herman Cress also remembers Ray Pennington, Lucky Records, and playing with Orangie. In addition to these interviews, you'll hear some of the songs recorded by Orangie Ray Hubbard at King Records and another by Herman Cress.
According to the family, as a singer/songwriter, Orangie Ray Hubbard will be remembered as an originator of Rockabilly Music in 1955 and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His single, Sweet Love, released on Nashville's Dixie label, sold for $5,000 according to the 4/24/08 issue of Goldmine Magazine. Another of copy of this rare single sold in 2014 for over $6,000.
Since I spoke with them, Orangie Ray Hubbard passed away on 9/1/11 at the age of 78. Jr. Spivey was inducted into the Northern Kentucky Music Legends Hall of Fame on 6/7/18. And, I'm not sure what Herman Cress is up to these days, but I'll let you know when I find out. It has been and continues to be an honor to speak with these musicians about their memories of King Records and our precious musical heritage.