Sun Studio: Where Rock 'n' Roll Was Born

Memphis, Tennessee. Well, currently we are sitting in the center of Sun Studio, where rock and roll was born, here in Memphis, Tennessee. You're hearing the song, Rocket 88, widely considered to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded. It was recorded here, at Sun Studio, by Jackie Brinston and his Delta Cats. The Delta Cats included Ike Turner, one of the many legendary musicians, to record here. Artists from many genres, such as B.B. King, Roy Orbison, and Rufus Thomas, all used Sun Studio.

TIMELINE
1950: The studio is full of rock and roll memorabilia, dating back to when it first opened in 1950.
1953: Sun is the record label that Sam starts in 1953.
1959: In 1959, Sam Phillips opened a bigger, more updated facility.

WHY THIS MATTERS
The story of Memphis is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know.

Episode 67 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters

If you liked this: Episode 175 (Athens, Tennessee)

Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-history

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