King Curtis & The Kingpins - Harper Valley PTA

mahmoudalmardini

Review by المارديني محمود

Alright, let’s dive into Harper Valley PTA by King Curtis & The Kingpins. This 1968 gem is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. You think it’s just another jazz-funk thing, but then—bam—it hits different. With its mix of Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and Soul-Jazz vibes, this record feels like a groovy time capsule straight outta the late '60s. Produced by Tom Dowd (yeah, the legend) and arranged by Arif Mardin and King Curtis himself, the whole thing has this raw yet polished energy to it. Now, I gotta talk about two tracks in particular: “Makin’ Hey” and the title track, “Harper Valley PTA.” First off, “Makin’ Hey”—man, there’s something so smooth about how they lay down the groove here. The instrumental version especially stands out because it lets the band really stretch out. It’s not trying too hard; it’s just cool as hell. You can almost picture people vibin’ to this at some smoky club or blasting it in their car with the windows down. That sax solo? Pure fire. Like, you don’t even need words to feel what they’re saying. It’s soulful without being over-the-top, which makes it stick in your head for days. Then there’s “Harper Valley PTA,” the track everyone knows—or at least thinks they do. If you’ve ever seen the movie or heard Jeannie C. Riley’s version, you know the story. But King Curtis flips it completely. Instead of going all country twangy, he gives it this funky, jazzy twist that honestly feels way fresher than the original. The horns hit hard, and the rhythm section keeps things tight. It’s playful but still packs a punch, ya know? Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why soul-jazz was such a big deal back then—it wasn’t afraid to have fun while staying sharp. What’s wild is how this album came out in multiple countries—US, Sweden, Canada, France—and still holds up no matter where you’re hearing it from. Atco Records did right by putting this out worldwide. It’s like proof that good music doesn’t care about borders or genres. Reflecting on it now, I guess what gets me most is how effortlessly these songs blend styles. Funk, jazz, soul—it’s all mashed together without feeling forced. And honestly, isn’t that what great art’s supposed to do? Make you forget the rules for a bit? Anyway, listening to this album feels like finding an old vinyl in your grandma’s attic and realizing it’s gold. Who woulda thought a soundtrack to a silly movie could sound this timeless?

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: king-curtis-the-kingpins-harper-valley-pta.zip
  • MP3 size: 27.5 mb
  • FLAC size: 304.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
8th Wonder2:46
Makin' Hey (Instrumental)2:56
Harper Valley P.T.A.2:34
Harper Valley PTA2:34
Makin' Hey2:56

Video

King Curtis & the Kingpins - Harper Valley PTA

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Catalog Numbers

  • 45-6613
  • ATCO-74
  • 6613
  • 6613X
  • ATL 70.325

Labels

  • Atco Records
  • ATCO Records
  • Atlantic

Listen online

  • ascolta in linea
  • lyssna på nätet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online luisteren
  • ouvir online
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM
  • Single
  • Promo
  • Styrene

Companies

RoleCompany
Mastered AtAtlantic Studios
Pressed BySpecialty Records Corporation
Manufactured ByAtlantic Recording Corporation
Published ByNewkeys Music

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByArif Mardin, King Curtis
ProducerTom Dowd

Notes

  • white label promo copy;
  • pressed by Specialty Records Corporation (SRC), Pennsylvania

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (side A label): 68-C-15053 SP
  • Matrix / Runout (side B label): 68-C-14184 SP
  • Matrix / Runout (dead-wax side A): 68-C-15053-1 (SRC-logo)
  • Matrix / Runout (dead-wax side B): 68-C-14184-1 (SRC-logo)
  • Rights Society: BMI
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Label): ATL-15053
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Label): ATL-14184
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Label): 68-C-15053-PL
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Label): 68-C-14184-PL
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A, etched): 68-C-15053-11LW AT W
  • Matrix / Runout: 68-C-14184-11 LW AT W
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Label): 68-C-15053-M0
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Label): 68-C-14184-M0

About King Curtis & The Kingpins

Name Vars

  • Cornell Dupree & The Kingpins
  • King Curtis & His Kingpins
  • King Curtis & The King Pins
  • King Curtis And The King Pins
  • King Curtis And The Kingpins
  • The Kingpins

Members

  • Cornell Dupree
  • Curtis Ousley

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *Harper Valley PTA* by King Curtis & The Kingpins is a hidden gem that blends jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. Released in 1968, it got attention in multiple countries like the US, Sweden, and Canada. What makes it special? It was arranged by two legends—Arif Mardin and King Curtis—and produced by Tom Dowd, who helped shape its smooth, groovy sound. The track "Makin' Hey" even appears twice, once as an instrumental version. It's a perfect mix of styles that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Comments

primkokarkediri
2025-03-16
I knew K. C. by this song and I felt in love with his sax!
sportspics1
2025-03-16
Tom T. Hall wrote it
hervebaltar
2025-03-16
A 1969 issue of The Saturday Evening Post brought me here and I am forever grateful.
kaheyug
2025-03-16
Peaked at just No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Interesting instrumental version of the huge No. 1 hit from that same year. I like it quite a lot!
visualbasic777
2025-03-15
Not bad.
santegas
2025-03-15
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.
allysonnsuper26
2025-03-14
Incredible piece of groove. Just love it