Martin Luther King at Zion Hill facts for kids
Martin Luther King At Zion Hill is a 1962 album. It features a powerful speech by Martin Luther King Jr.. He gave this speech at the Zion Hill Baptist Church. Dooto Records released the album. This record company was owned by Dootsie Williams.
About the Album
This album was special, but it also caused some problems. The speech was recorded without Dr. King's permission. It was also released without his approval.
Why Was It Special?
Dr. King was the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). This group worked for civil rights. The SCLC tried to stop the album from being sold. They went to court, and a judge ordered the album to be taken off shelves.
Dooto Records told the SCLC how much money the album made. It sold for $4,750. But the company spent more money making and selling it. So, they actually lost $91.
What Happened Next?
Even with the problems, the album showed something important. People really wanted to hear Dr. King's speeches. Because of this, the SCLC decided to let others record his speeches. They approved Berry Gordy to record and release Dr. King's speeches. Gordy released them on his Gordy Records label.
A Book Connection
This album also appears in a book. It is mentioned in The Nickel Boys. This novel was written by Colson Whitehead in 2019. The album plays a part in the early life of a character named Elwood Curtis.
