Sun Studio, Memphis, Birthplace of Rock and Roll
Legendary Recording Studio a Must for Any Memphis Vacation
Oct 29, 2009
Stepping across the threshold into Sun Studio can be an incredible moment for rock and roll fans. To know that they are in the very studio where Elvis Presley first stepped up to a microphone, where Jerry Lee Lewis rocked out with Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On and where U2’s Angel of Harlem was brought to life.
The Sun Studio building is so modest that it’s possible to drive past without realising what took place behind those brick walls. To enter the museum visitors walk through the café where Sun Studio owner Sam Phillips once held business meetings, and it’s easy to start dreaming about the rock and roll legends that once sat in those booths.
Sun Studio Tours Walk Visitors Through Rock and Roll History
Dressed in fifties rock and roll attire, the friendly – and stylish – guides take visitors through the history of the studio, and of rock and roll itself. With the kind of enthusiasm that makes it hard to believe they tell the same stories day in day out, they share fascinating stories and music trivia.
Visitors can step into the spot where Elvis recorded his first five singles, marked clearly with the cross Sam Phillips made out of electrical tape more than 50 years ago. They’re taught about the history of classic songs, such as Hound Dog, as guides explain how Big Mama Thornton originally recorded it in Blues style in 1953, pointing out that the lyrics were clearly written for a woman.
The guides share stories about the day in December 1956 when Elvis came back to visit the studio, and held the spontaneous Million Dollar Quartet session with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. They share the way Jerry Lee Lewis recorded Whole Lot of Shakin’ Goin’ On in just one take, and tell stories about other greats in Sun Studio, including Roy Orbison, BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Parker, Rufus Thomas and Little Milton.
Rock Pioneer Sam Phillips Created New Sound in Sun Studio
Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in January 1950, Sun Studio was originally called the Memphis Recording Service and found in the same building as Sun Records.
As the Sun Studio guides explain, “Sun Studio was born to capture the pure raw energy of Beale Street.” They say the sound we now know as Rock and Roll was created thanks to a series of wonderful mistakes made by Sam Phillips.
Self-taught Phillips used so much echo that a three-piece band sounded like an all night party. He would crank the amp up so high that it distorted, and according to the Sun Studio official website, “He didn’t know not to blend the musical styles – or that it wasn’t supposed to be sheer passion and fun!”
The First Rock and Roll Song Recorded at Sun Studio
In March 1951, Rocket 88 was recorded in Sun Studio. The song, which is widely credited as being the first rock and roll song in history, was released by “Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats” with Ike Turner playing piano. Rocket 88 went to number one in June 1951 and the rock and roll sound was born.
Sun Records outgrew the small Union Avenue studios in 1959, when Sam Phillips opened larger studios on Madison Avenue, Memphis, which became known as Phillips Recording. In 1987 the studio was brought back to life, and artists like U2, Paul Simon and Ringo Starr recorded tracks in the legendary space. Sun Studio continues to be a recording studio to this day.
Sun Studio Tours are a Must for Any Memphis Vacation
Sun Studio is found at 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Tours are conducted daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Visitors can take advantage of the free shuttle to and from Graceland.
Tours cost $12 for adults and are complimentary for children aged 5-11. The official Sun Studio website explains that children under 5 are not permitted “due to the personal nature of our tour performance”.
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