Xan Albright
Originally christened 'America’s First Family of Song,'The King Family exploded onto the national entertainmentscene in l965. Centered around the popular talents and richharmonies of Grammy® nominated Big Band era greats TheKing Sisters, along with bandleader and guitar virtuoso AlvinoRey, the entire family displayed on weekly national televisionthe musical talents of its 37 members, spanning threegenerations. Following just two dazzling appearances on ABCTV’s'The Hollywood Palace,' The King Family became one ofthe most popular and beloved television, recording andconcert acts of the 1960’s and 70’s.The King Sisters, a popular recording group with aunique 4-part harmony sound, began performing with theHorace Heidt Orchestra in the late 1930’s. As they continuedinto the 40’s and 50’s with bandleader Artie Shaw, andeventually joining the Alvino Rey band, they became one ofthe leading attractions of the day on records, radio, moviesand the concert stage.As the King Sisters’ own families expanded, the musicalmagic was eventually captured in 1965 in their own weeklyABC-TV show, featuring not only the King Sisters and Alvino Rey,but all the aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and little kiddies of 37members. This initial TV series would spawn a show-businessphenomenon that over the next decade would encompass 17television specials, including holiday specials, 6 top-sellingalbums for Warner Bros., and a second TV series. During theseyears, the family’s schedule also included record-breakingengagements at the nation’s top concert venues includingsold-out performances at The Hollywood Bowl, nightclubengagements in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe,appearances at Disneyland, and a 'King Family Day' at theNew York World’s Fair.The King Family continued to appear together in concertand on television throughout the 1970’s and The King Sisterscontinued into the 1980’s. In 1985 the Sisters were one of thefeatured performers at President Reagan’s Inaugural Ball and in2004, The King Family’s unique place among the pantheon ofentertainers associated with the holidays, including AndyWilliams and Judy Garland, was celebrated as part of theBRAVO Television Network’s documentary 'The ChristmasSpecial Christmas Special.'The King Family has recently produced a new publictelevision special, their first in three decades, the first ever CDreleases of their albums, and a planned return to the concertstage. There have been many changes and additions to thefamily over the past four decades (the head count at a recentfamily reunion exceeded 150!) but one thing has remained thesame over the years-their love of being together as a family.And whether it’s a warm and cozy Christmas caroling party, aniece’s elegant wedding reception, or a good old-fashionedFourth of July picnic, there is always an abundance of enticingand delicious home-cooked food around, from the wonderfulrecipes that have become part of this family’s tradition.
