Sun Studio
sunstudio.com
Sun Studio, located on Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, is famously known as the "Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll" and holds a special place in music history. It’s the legendary recording studio where icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King made some of their most influential tracks. For families visiting Memphis, Sun Studio offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of American music, walk in the footsteps of music legends, and learn about the rich history of the studio. The immersive guided tours, original artifacts, and rare audio recordings make it an educational and exciting destination for music lovers of all ages.
The guided tour is the highlight of the Sun Studio experience. Families are led through the studio’s rich history by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and play original recordings from the 1950s. You’ll see the control room, with vintage equipment like the original mixing boards used by Sam Phillips, Sun Studio’s founder. The tour covers the famous "Million Dollar Quartet" session, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins jammed together in 1956. The main studio room, largely unchanged from its heyday, gives visitors the chance to stand where these legends recorded groundbreaking tracks. Families will be excited to see Elvis Presley’s original microphone and the upright piano that Jerry Lee Lewis played during his fiery recording sessions.
Sun Studio is filled with original recording equipment and memorabilia that bring its history to life. Families can view personal items, including rare photos, posters, and instruments used by legendary artists. A highlight is the “Elvis Mic,” the microphone used by Elvis during his first recording session, along with other vintage instruments that were played by legends like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. As you explore, the tour offers rare audio clips, such as early demos of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash’s first recordings, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artists’ creative processes and how rock ‘n’ roll was born. For music-loving families, the combination of history, storytelling, and interactive experiences makes Sun Studio a must-visit destination.