Sun Studio
Perhaps no studio was more instrumental to the birth of rock ’n’ roll than this humble spot east of downtown. It was here that illustrious music producer Sam Phillips launched Elvis’s career and worked with an epic roster of recording artists, including blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and crooner Roy Orbison. On tours of Sun Studio, visitors can stand in the same spot where those stars made musical history, and even cut a record of their own by reserving a block of studio time after the museum closes for the evening. A free shuttle runs to and from Graceland so you can experience two musical landmarks in one trip.More Recommendations
AFAR Local Expert
about 5 years ago
The Studio Where Rock was Born
The birthplace of rock and roll—it’s that simple to describe what makes Sun Studio significant. In the summer of 1954, a young, unknown truck driver picked up a guitar during a session at 706 Union Avenue and made history with his recording of “That’s All Right Mama.” Sam Philips captured the unique sound of Elvis Presley, and the unknown Memphis singer skyrocketed to fame. And it all started at Sun, where great singers have made their mark, from Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King to Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and more recent artists such as U2 and Def Leppard. The studio is open daily for tours.
