The King Family

1960s-1970s country gospel group from Canton, Ohio.

The King Family is originally from West Virginia. Harley King, who is the manager of the group, was born in Clay, W. Va. in 1921. As a boy, he sang in many churches in and around Clay county, with his younger sister, now known as Jeanette Samples. At the age of 41, Harley was called by God to preach his gospel. He played the guitar for the group and sang bass, except on the songs which God has led him to write. Harley wrote and sang soprano on four of the songs on this album. His wife, Ada, is also from Clay county. She was born in 1917, and like her husband, sang as a child. She sang alto for the group. Their daughter Miranda was born in Canton, Ohio. She began to sing at a very early age, and enthusiastically sang soprano for the group and played the mandolin.