“The Birthplace of Rock & Roll”
The Birthplace of Rock and Roll!"If music we're a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio its most sacred shrine." Sun Studio is a recording studio opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 3, 1950. It was originally called Memphis Recording Service, sharing the same building with the Sun Records label business. Reputedly the first rock-and-roll single, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats' "Rocket 88" was recorded there in 1951 with song composer Ike Turner on keyboards, leading the studio to claim status as the birthplace of rock & roll. Blues and R&B artists like Howlin' Wolf, Junior Parker, Little Milton, B.B. King, James Cotton, Rufus Thomas, and Rosco Gordon recorded there in the early 1950s.
I was really excited to stop here. Unfortunately, my timing was poor. I had arrived just minutes after a loaded, full-sized tour bus and the line was literally pouring out into the street. My experience was so-so, but I tack that up to timing. If you're a blues fan, definitely worth the stop.
I walked in not knowing too much about Elvis but left with a new curiosity. I would say check the tour times so you can plan in advance when to arrive. The staff is so knowledgable and our tour guide was great. Once the tour ended and cleared out he even took us back into the original soundboard and gave us some more insider facts. It was neat to experience a place that is still mostly in tact of how it was when Elvis stepped through those doors.
Really liked this tour and it’s history of rock n roll. It seems many artists were able to make their start here. You can take photos with no flash in the upper room and there is much to learn about. The rock n roll music and lyrics came earlier with Big Mama Thornton, Rufus Thomas, Ike Turner etc. however Elvis with his crooner voice became a legend here. Just lots of info and numerous artifacts and the bldg still reflect the historic start of rock and roll. Would like to go again.
Very informative - guide was excellent! Wonderful overview of history of music in Memphis!
Enjoyed this place with my mom. She loved the place bc it brought back so many happy memories of her youth
Walk into the actual recording studio where some of the most iconic music in history was recorded. Sit at the drum set where Ringo Starr sat. Hold the microphone that Bonnie Raitt held. Admission and tours are complimentary for children ages 5-12. Woot!
There are stairs involved and parking is tight but those are the only real drawbacks. It was a fun, informative tour. There was plenty of rock n roll history and it wasn't all about Elvis!
We loved the tour and the guide. It makes you feel in the middle of one important spot of the blues music history.
We almost didn't come here because I wanted to start our 4-day drive home, but I'm sooo glad we did!! The people there are the nicest and the coolest, from the cashier to the tour guide. I expected my oldest daughter to enjoy it because she's a big Johnny Cash fan, but even my younger daughter who's only into the latest pop music loved it. She was so in awe she had tears in her eyes! Who can pass up the chance to stand right where Elvis was first ever recorded?!! This place is amazing.
The vibes are still alive in the birthplace of Rock 'n Roll -- Sun Studios! I felt transported back in time as our tour guide, Lana, gave us the history of Sun Studios. I walked in Elvis's and Johnny Cash's footsteps! Oh my! Phenomenal tour! I wish I could have been there in its heyday. It is definitely a must see stop in Memphis!
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Sun Studio
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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