Texan pianist/singer Little Willie Littlefield released "Kansas City" (Leiber - Stoller) in 1952. A record executive changed the title to "K.C. Loving". The tune was written specifically for Littlefield.

Wilbert Harrison hit the top of the charts with the original title. "Kansas City" hit number one on both the pop and R&B charts in 1959.
When taking a tour of Kansas City a few years ago the tour bus driver wouldn't go to "Twelfth Street and Vine" because it was too dangerous.