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In 1952, Sam Phillips founded the legendary Sun Record Company and throughout the ’50s changed the course of popular music with artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. 50 years ago, in 1969, Shelby Singleton, a music executive who, with his brother John, ran a stable of labels in Nashville, took ownership of Sun and the Singleton family continues to guide the legacy of Sun Records to this day. To mark the golden anniversary of Sun’s move to Nashville with the Singletons, we’re happy to announce another awesome collaboration with ORG Music and Record Store Day to present this RSD3 special collection of iconic tracks from the Sun vault, sized just right for a bit of Rock ‘N’ Roll!
This three inch record series for the RSD3 mini-turntable showcases four of the most iconic names in the Sun Records catalog: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. Beginning on October 18, you’ll be able to find a limited edition 3″ vinyl single from each of these four legends in your local record shop. Learn more about the RSD3 collection here: https://orgmusic.com/sun-record-company-3-vinyl-series/

Sun Records is the iconic 50’s label (in the Top 10, according to Variety) which launched the careers of the Million Dollar Quartet artists (Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins) plus others such as Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich. Sun was founded by Rock & Roll pioneer and visionary Sam Phillips in 1952 and was successful for a five year period beginning in 1954. 

The hit that helped bring Jeannie C. Riley to prominence, “Harper Valley PTA,” is being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Jeannie will join Sun legends Johnny Cash (“Folsom Prison Blues” & “I Walk the Line”), Carl Perkins (“Blue Suede Shoes”), and Elvis Presley (“That’s All Right”). “Harper Valley PTA” was produced by Shelby Singleton and released on Plantation Records in 1968, about a year before purchasing Sun Records from Sam Phillips.

As has been noted previously, Peter Guralnick’s biography, “Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll,” has been tagged for a film adaptation. Mick Jagger, one of the film’s producers, was seen in Memphis recently on a reconnaissance mission for the film, which is set to star Leonardo DiCaprio as Sam Phillips. 

The long awaited two-part documentary on the King of Rock & Roll is finally here. Elvis Presley: The Searcher is now available on demand and streaming on HBO.

Big congratulations are in order for Sun Records alumnus Cowboy Jack Clement and Roy Orbison for their induction in to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is taking place in Memphis, coinciding with the Music Cities Convention. Other legendary artists being honored include the Memphis Horns, Maurice White, Irvin Salky, Cassietta George, and Frank Stokes.

The Lewis Ranch has been Jerry Lee Lewis’ private getaway for decades, and now you can get a first hand look at the life of a rock ‘n’ roll legend. Located at 1595 Malone Road near Nesbit, Mississippi, the Lewis Ranch is a short drive from Memphis. Private, small-group tours are held Monday – Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Find out more information here.

Record Store Day, which began in 2008 and has been gaining traction ever since, is a worldwide celebrated event honoring independent record shops. “This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities.” (recordstoreday.com) 

Tonight is the world premiere of CMT’s newest and highly anticipated music drama, Sun Records! CMT has brought the story of Sun to life! Every sound has a story, and we are very excited to see how all of the Sun legends are interpreted. 

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio will play Sun founder Sam Phillips in the upcoming film adaptation for Peter Guralnick’s “Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘N’ Roll.” The rights were acquired by Paramount Pictures. Producers include Jennifer Davisson, DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Victoria Pearman, Steve Bing, Ian Montone, Rick Yorn and Peter Guralnick.