King Heavy was released in 1969 by Atlantic Records, at a time when Solomon Burke sought to expand his sound beyond traditional soul into funk and rock. The album was produced by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd, two key figures in the soul music of the era.
Despite featuring solid songs and Burke's powerful voice, the album did not achieve the commercial success of his earlier works. The blend of styles and experimental production did not fully connect with his Southern soul fan base.
Over time, King Heavy has been reassessed by critics as an underrated album showcasing Burke's versatility. However, detailed information about the recording sessions and participating musicians is scarce.