L.A. Midnight was recorded in 1972 in Los Angeles, California, produced by Ed Michel, who had previously worked with King on earlier albums.
The album features collaborations with West Coast session musicians, including members of King's band and artists like saxophonist Plas Johnson, and presents a more polished, soul-oriented sound.
Released by ABC Records, the album reached number 53 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 8 on the R&B albums chart, solidifying King's popularity in the 1970s.