Gary and I went to visit King in his recording studio in downtown Lethbridge. When we arrived outside the building King gave us directions on where to find it. “Go through the metal door and dead bolt it behind you, go across the carpet, up the stairs, through another metal door and enter the first door on your left.” This maze of doors, hallways and stairs left me wondering what we were getting ourselves into. Although my imagination can be quite active at times, we found King in this wonderful oasis he calls home to Papa King Productions.
King gave us a tour of his studio “where it all happens;” with his music anyway. King has been helping musicians over the years record their music in a setting that was made with the purity of thought for musical and non musical types to feel comfortable the minute they set their first foot through the door. I was so comfortable I felt like I was ready to record something and I can’t even sing.
Gary and I talked with King for about an hour. He talked about his family and it was obvious to me that they have been a strong driving force to keep King so passionate for so long. At 63, he explained to us that he wants to “retire into the Blues.” Although most people would denote Blues music to be down and sorrowful, with his unique voice and musical style he prefers to sing the “happy, uplifting type of Blues.” King is 5 songs away from finishing his first CD. After all the years helping others do the same he says “it’s time.” Most people would start to wind down and “retire”and for King that just inspires him to play more and sing more. He’s happy to keep the music going.
Take a look at our video interview with King and listen to the music file of one of his songs titled ‘Sugar Tree’
Listen to King’s track ‘Sugar Tree’ with the player below:
Click here to listen to Sugar Tree written and performed by Papa King Cole
Great Job on the interviews guys!
We really like what you’re doing to help keep the arts alive and well and sharing so many great talents with the world.
Thank you for the kind words and as well to help promote King. We appreciate the comments, especially when we are out here alone on the road and not totally sure if people are paying attention. This is just in the infant stages and know that it will take off once more social networking and media gets rolling.
Warm regards,
Gary and Corinne
…did listen to Papa King Cole’s song *Sugar Tree* I’m impressed of his nice music and his voice too. Thank you guys made it possible to get into his music and interview through your site *ArtsQuest. Greets from Switzerland.