Sun Records, an unassuming brick building in Memphis, TN, was founded by Sam Phillips, who discovered and first recorded Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. That’s why it’s also known as where rock and roll was born.
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- Mike thought I was taking him to a bad part of town when we got to Sun Records.
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- Elvis paid $4 to Sun for his first demo record, which was a present for his mama.
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- Some blockbuster talent on this record!
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- Roy Orbison was here in his pre-Pretty Woman days.
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- See the X on the floor? This is where Elvis liked to stand when he recorded. Bob Dylan knelt down and kissed that X.
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- The actual studio is about the size of a one car garage, and covered in acoustical tile.
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- Johnny Cash recorded “I Walk the Line” here, using his guitar for percussion. Nashville disapproved of musicians that used drums.
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- In 1954, WHBQ Memphis played Elvis singing “That’s Alright Mama” 18 times in a row. Listeners couldn’t believe Elvis was white.
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- The Million Dollar Quartet was an impromptu jam session at Sun, with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
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- Can you believe Johnny Cash made a recording of Hank Williams songs?
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- Jerry Lee Lewis was the biggest star of the bunch, until he married his 13 year old cousin. Great balls of controversy!
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- Blue Suede Shoes was written and performed by Carl Perkins, but Elvis made it a hit.
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