CARLOS ALVAREZ, ENTERTAINER CLASS OF 1966
Carlos Alvarez, known by his stage name King Arthur, was born in Puerto Rico, raised in South Philadelphia, and is known all over the Philadelphia area as the “King of DooWop.” Carlos fell in love with music at an early age and by the time he was 14 years old, held his first record hop at the local YMCA for the neighborhood kids. From that moment, Carlos knew music would be his life’s work and embarked on his journey to become a powerful force in the industry. Carlos and Janet, his beautiful wife of 56 years, met on the steps of South Phila High. Carlos also played on Southern’s Football team, The Southern Rams, who won the 1965 Public League City Champs. He adopted the name of King Arthur, of the Camelot legend, who ruled over his knights of the round table the way a DJ rules over his turntable.
It was only natural that Carlos turned to radio to share the music he loved so much with as many people as possible. His radio career began on WCAM, AM radio 1310, also known as the “Tower of Power”; a mixture of music and talk in Camden, New Jersey. His love for music only continued to grow. In the late 60’s, Carlos had the opportunity to branch out into music management and was the manager of several vocal groups; namely, a blue-eyed soul group by the name of The Destinations. Their hit song, “I Can’t Leave You,” on King’s record company label, Ando Records, is still a top Northern Soul collectible. Carlos continued managing and producing over the years and, along the way, formed a mobile DJ business that still thrives.
He has interviewed many legendary artists such as Johnny Maestro of The Crests and The Brooklyn Bridge, Larry Chance of The Earls, Little Isidore of Little Isidore and The Inquisitors, Vito Picone of Vito Picone and The Elegants, John Kuse and The Excellence, Terry Johnson of The Flamingos, William “Pudgie” Hart of The Delfonics, Jimmy Beaumont of The Skyliners, Jimmy Merchant of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, and Willie Winfield of The Harptones
Early in the 70’s on Channel 3, Carlos was known as the “Fan Man” representing the average man in segments on the Rod Luck show. He also had a cameo appearance in the movie, “Birdie,” with Nicholas Cage and Rocky. Carlos even modeled Santa Claus in an Askin Modeling Agency magazine campaign in the New Market, Philadelphia PA. He has hosted and emceed countless shows and concerts in the tri-state area at casinos, dinner theaters, private events, and venues. After being contacted by Congressman Bob Brady, an avid DooWop fan, Carlos has had the honor of playing for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, Mayors and more.
His recent awards include 2023 Georgie Woods Foundation Pioneer Award; Oldies Radio Hall of Fame; National, Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, 2024: featured in a book written by Abraham J Santiago called “Puerto Rican Contribution to Rhythm and Blues Vocal Group Harmony and Beyond, 2025: Citation from the City of Philadelphia for Lifetime Achievement and on November 6th 2025:will be honored with a Blue Sapphire Music Entertainment Award.by Row Home Magazine. In the rare moments he isn’t found in his studio, Carlos and Janet own and operate Cedrone’s Flowers at 8th & Lombard Streets.