Meet Jerry C. King of Kingdom Digital Music Group in South Side

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry C. King.

1986 brought the wave of house music in Chicago to the forefront of the world’s view, spawning world acclaim to the legendary city, and producing countless musical talents that could Sample tracks and remake them with a classic “Four to the Floor” beat. It also gave rise to the actual “Musician” in the world of house music, and one of the musical hybrid’s known as… Jerry C. King.

Brought into music in 1988 by one of the greatest producers in music Marshall Jefferson and Chauncey Alexander… along with Wayne Bell, Sherman Burkes, and frequent visitor Mike Dunn on 63rd and Artesian in Chicago. He was cultivated with the greats.

The first songs on this journey was a group called “Musical Expression” founded by Marshall Jefferson and Roy Davis Junior. There 2nd recording was a song musically written by Jerry C. King called “The Way I Feel” written in 88’ and released in 89’ and rereleased in 93’.

This song incorporated virtual drums, but actual instruments as well. It was scored by the Legendary Orbert Davis, leader of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic with live strings.
The Way I Feel (Original)
Also remixed by Rick Lenoir and Gary Wallace respectively
The Way I Feel (house of jazz)
Also during this time, Jerry landed music on Strictly Rhythm via DJ Pierre.
Called “Try” licensed from OtherSide Records.
After these successes, Jerry went on to work with a number of stars
Worked with or for.

​Highlights:
-2009​-Rerecording of “The House Music Anthem” Marshall Jefferson/Curtis Mcclain/
Frankie Knuckles.
-Jerry is playing keys and also has his own mix on the largest indy dance label “Ultra
Records/Sony”
-Move Your Body (Ultra/Sony)
-2012​-The launch of Kingdom Digital Music Group
-Consisting of 27 record labels including “Indie Art Music” run by the legendary Joe
-Smooth and MMP Records run by Steve Miggedy Maestro as well as Tri-m Ent. run by
Dana Divine WGCI Chicago.
-2014​- Bobby Jones feat Faith Evans- “Rejoice”
-The “Gifted Souls Mix” produced by Joe Smooth and Jerry C. King went number 5 on
the Gospel Albums chart in Billboard.
-2015​- Chicago House Party/ Chicago House Legacy Band
-Chicago House Party
-2016​- Ministry of Sound

Funded by the City of Chicago and founded by David Chavez of the Chicago Cultural Center. Each year Jerry puts on a show at the largest downtown Chicago house music party in history to date on Memorial Day Weekend. This was also cofounded with Joe Smooth, Steve Miggedy Maestro, and Craig Loftis. Bringing you classics as well as creating a much-needed platform for new artists.

Gospel Great Faith Howard, protege’ of the late great Albertina Walker has a song “One Day At A Time”, produced by Jerry C. King and Joe Smooth which was licensed by Ministry via Hed Kandi. The 3 disc set is awaiting gold confirmation and is available at Best Buy and Target U.S. and many, many other retailers. Faith Howard “One Day At A Time”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Chicago is a strange city. There is a lot of talent jockeying for position. Most people get jealous when you pass them. Struggles are a part of life. I expect them.

Please tell us about Kingdom Digital Music Group.
My most proud thing we are doing is bringing the new young artist into the industry. We have Kennedy Simone…and Mickey J, who debuted with the Chicago House Legacy Project at the age of 16. House cant go into the future as we know it unless we regenerate. It will suffer the fate of the “Blues”. The Blues came here from Memphis. House is straight Chicago made.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Started sooner doing my own thing. There was a time I waited for people to help. They were never going to. God had already equipped me. I just had to move.

Contact Info:

• Email: Kingdomdigitalmusic@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Paris Brightledge, Rob Diggy

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