the wandering chick
...Sun Records Studio, Memphis
the launching of Rock n' Roll

It was Sun Records that gave Elvis Presley his first big break. And it was here that a new genre of music was born: Rock n' Roll.

The owner of Sun Studio was Sam Phillips who launched his recording company February of 1952 on Union Street in Memphis. Two years later, Phillips, known for giving anyone and everyone a chance, regardless of talent and style, or lack thereof, listened to an unknown named Elvis Presley.

Around the same time, other artists were recorded: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

Memorabilia and original instruments still stand in the Sun Records studio, making the tour a highlight of the Memphis things-to-do-and-see list.

sun studio, exterior of building
The Million Dollar Quartet, photo on wall
A picture of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis hangs on the wall in the recording studio where they frequented in the early and mid-1950s. The four together were known as The Million Dollar Quartet.
Sun Studio
Sun Studio
drum set used by U2 in Sun Studio
Various mikes and miscellaneous equipment is still used today. The drum set was more recently used by U2.
the mike used back in the Elvis days
The mike used back in the Elvis days
wall picture of Roy Orbison
A photo of Roy Orbison hangs on the wall of the studio room...
wall photo of The King
...as does one of Elvis.
the post-recording cafe
After a recording, the artists, including The Million Dollar Quartet, would meet downstairs in this café for a bite to eat.
Beale Street
Beale Street's turbulent history goes much further back than the era of Memphis blues, but today we identify with it through such greats as B.B. King, Louis Armstrong and Muddy Waters.
looking down Beale Street
Beale Street

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beale street sign
piano
elvis guitar case
Elvis' cowhide guitar case. It wasn't mentioned if the guitar is his, too.
line of guitars