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Sun Records

The Birth Place of Rock n' Roll

By Kay BernheartPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Memphis, Tennessee 

The year was 1950. A man by the name of Sam Phillips had a dream about recording hits that would blow music lovers out of the water. He loved playing music, but even more so he had the desire to record them. So after saving up as much money as he could, he bought a small little building on the corner of Marshall and Union Avenue. Originally it was called Memphis Recording Service, but in the year 1952 it became Sun Studio. He took his time making the small building his. He hung every piece of tile in the building, from the walls to the ceiling. He converted the old car garage into his very own Recording Studio. Sam Phillips worked hard, but not as hard as his secretary Marion Keisker. She was the first person any of the walk-in artist saw. Her smile and pretty eyes were always welcoming

They began an unbeatable team as different artists came out to audition and record at Sun Records. His first Rock N Roll hit was recorded by Jackie Brenston and The Delta Cats: ‘Rocket 88.’ It caught Memphis by storm and doomed the whole state. And from there it grew. Most of his artists were African American, and Sam Phillips loved how all of them had soul. Power and rhythm sprang from these artists. The talent was like no other and Phillips had the career of a lifetime.

As the days began to pass, turning into years, Sam Phillips came across several artist that would change history. Well known names like: Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins. They all have wonderful hits that still play on the radio to this day. The four artists listed above have all sang together and grew to be friends, and their friendships have lasted a lifetime.

One of Sam Phillips's greatest accomplishments with recordings was coming across a young man by the name of Elvis Presley. Most might think that Presley would be Sam Phillips's greatest achievement. However, Phillips admits that the true legend he uncovered was none other than Chester Burnett, aka ‘Howlin Wolf’. The man had all the soul in the world and Sam Phillips was always proud to say he was the one who started ‘Howlin Wolf’s’ career.

Even with the difficulties financially, Sam Phillips found a way to bounce back. He admits driving thousands of miles, dropping records off at radio stations to have his hits be played. His first Gold Record was recorded by Carl Perkins, which sold over a million copies. The song was called "Blue Suede Shoes." His second Gold Record was recorded by The Man In Black; "Walk The Line" by Johnny Cash. This was just the start to it all. This music was waving through the world and everyone needed more.

The man through the hard times inspired to keep the franchise of Rock N Roll going. Most thought it would blow over, but they didn't realize it was a revolution in the music industry. Rock n Roll has deep foundations in all varieties on music, even in present day.

Sun Studio is still very active. It is a tourist attracted location and can be toured at a low cost. By the wishes of Sam Phillips, it is still used as a recording studio. Several artists with big dreams have recorded in that very spot and have claimed that it was truly a magical experience.

Visit Sun Studios if you ever get the chance, because it is like walking through history itself. It has been kept in its historical way and is just like it was back in the 1950s.

Thank you for reading.

-Kay Bernheart

60s music
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About the Creator

Kay Bernheart

I love music from a life time ago.

I am also very nerdy and will write about different ‘fandoms’.

Feel free to comment. I need feedback!

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