Episode 247

We welcome Cam Clarke for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most successful musical dynasties in American entertainment: The King Family. Cam takes us behind the scenes with the legendary singing group, and then Cam, a talented voice actor goes is and out of famous roles as we 'interview' some of his most beloved V.O. characters!

Cam is the son of Alyce King, one of the original King Sisters, whose harmonies launched in the early 1930s and eventually grew into a multi-generational act that included children, grandchildren, cousins, and extended family, all uniting in song and populating iconic ABC series and specials throughout the 1960s.

Cam walks us through the group’s vaudeville roots, and their early days singing on the radio, all beginning on a Christmas morning where Cam’s Mom, Aunts and Uncles each received a musical instrument and instructions from their music teacher Dad. His goal was to build a family band. He created a dynasty.

We explore how The King Family evolved and rebranded across decades: From a Big Band vocal group in the 40’s to jazz harmonies and the 50’s blonde Hollywood glam look, to the TV friendly family ensemble of the 60s and 70s.

Cam shares inside stories about how costumes were passed down from one child to the next and how King Sisters, King Kiddies, and King Cousins all fit into the ever-growing and evolving act.

We also discuss Now They’re All Here, Cam’s large and glorious coffee table book on the King Family, inspired by George Plimpton’s oral biography of Truman Capote, and written in the first person voices of King Family members over the past 100 years.

And Cam speaks candidly about his own sexual orientation, sharing how he came out to his entire family at a typical family meal, as the conversation and the timing felt right. His truth was completely accepted.

Plus, Jamie Alcroft, who will hold a position of honor on the non profit One Legacy Tournament of Roses Parade float on New Year’s Day, joins us to talk about his important work with the LAFF4LIFE program and his experience as an organ transplant recipient!

In current media --

Weezy: Simon Cowell: The Next Act on Netflix

Fritz: The movie F1, streaming on Apple TV+