The King Family Cookbook

by Xan Albright, Erin Albright & Tina Cole

Originally christened "America's First Family of Song," The King Family exploded onto the national entertainment scene in l965. Centered around the popular talents and rich harmonies of Grammy nominated Big Band era greats The King Sisters, along with bandleader and guitar virtuoso Alvino Rey, the entire family displayed on weekly national television the musical talents of its 37 members, spanning three generations. Following just two dazzling appearances on ABCTV's "The Hollywood Palace," The King Family became one of the most popular and beloved television, recording and concert acts of the 1960's and 70's. The King Sisters, a popular recording group with a unique 4-part harmony sound, began performing with the Horace Heidt Orchestra in the late 1930's. As they continued into the 40's and 50's with bandleader Artie Shaw, and eventually joining the Alvino Rey band, they became one of the leading attractions of the day on records, radio, movies and the concert stage. As the King Sisters' own families expanded, the musical magic was eventually captured in 1965 in their own weekly ABC-TV show, featuring not only the King Sisters and Alvino Rey, but all the aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and little kiddies of 37 members. This initial TV series would spawn a show-business phenomenon that over the next decade would encompass 17 television specials, including holiday specials, 6 top-selling albums for Warner Bros., and a second TV series. During these years, the family's schedule also included record-breaking engagements at the nation's top concert venues including sold-out performances at The Hollywood Bowl, nightclub engagements in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe, appearances at Disneyland, and a "King Family Day" at the New York World's Fair. The King Family continued to appear together in concert and on television throughout the 1970's and The King Sisters continued into the 1980's. In 1985 the Sisters were one of the featured performers at President Reagan's Inaugural Ball and in 2004, The King Family's unique place among the pantheon of entertainers associated with the holidays, including Andy Williams and Judy Garland, was celebrated as part of the BRAVO Television Network's documentary "The Christmas Special Christmas Special." The King Family has recently produced a new public television special, their first in three decades, the first ever CD releases of their albums, and a planned return to the concert stage. There have been many changes and additions to the family over the past four decades (the head count at a recent family reunion exceeded 150!) but one thing has remained the same over the years-their love of being together as a family. And whether it's a warm and cozy Christmas caroling party, a niece's elegant wedding reception, or a good old-fashioned Fourth of July picnic, there is always an abundance of enticing and delicious home-cooked food around, from the wonderful recipes that have become part of this family's tradition.