Sun Studios: 5th April

 We’re at Sun Studios in Memphis, a small recording studio with a big history. It was founded in 1950 by a dj called Sam Phillips who wanted to record original blues artists while they were still around. He started with portable equipment and a basic disc master cutting machine- the one below. It’s called a lathe recorder and looks like you could also turn a set of wooden stool legs with it. The master copy was then sent away to be pressed for however many record copies you wanted. Then, 78’s of course

He recorded then unknown negro blues singers like Howlin’ Wolf. Never heard of him? Try  this You Tube link for an example of his music, recorded on the Chess label. It’s an acquired taste. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP34u6rdscs 

Sam also sold recording time at $3.98 for a double sided disc. In July 1953 a young truck driver stopped outside the studio during his lunch break and recorded two songs for his mum. That man was Elvis Presley. He was back again in Jan 1954 for another $3.98’s worth, and it wasn’t until July of that year that Sam Phillips decided to give him a shot at one of his studio songs. Sam didn’t like the recording, but afterwards in jamming around with the session band Elvis sang “It’s All Right Mama”, which Sam recognised had hit potential. Elvis never looked back. 18 months later he went to big-time record label RCA Victor. In the meantime Sun had come up with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Here they all are having a spontaneous session. Not so spontaneous that a photographer wasn't on hand.

Sun had other unique performers, like the Prisonaires. This was a negro singing group from the state penitentiary in Nashville. They were all long servers, including two murderers. They so impressed the Tennessee State governor that they were let out on day passes to perform all over the State. But in shackles! This was a time when colour segregation was rigidly enforced so these concessions were most unusual. You Tube link of one of their performances, then pic.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DOdqOkYjtA

 

Sam Phillips moved out in 1959 to better premises, and the building was let out or empty until 1987 when a new purchaser realised its commercial value as a tourist attraction because it was completely in original condition. Recording sessions also restarted and continue to the present, but at night, leaving the day for the tourists. Here’s an up-and-coming new performer using the actual microphone (it is) that Elvis used. Yesterday, the Prisonaires, now the Pensionaires.

Just down the road is a guitar factory, Saint Blues Guitar Workshop. We went in to look at the instruments on sale. All nice kit, traditional solid electric guitars plus a quirky new design made out of a cigar box. They do tours, but not at that hour. I chatted to one of the salesmen about the guitars and was sorry we’d missed the workshop tour. “No problem”, he said, I’ll be pleased to take you round”. A most interesting half hour. Americans are very generous. Saint Blues operates  from this 1920’s building.

We walked back from Saint Blues and sat outside Sun Studios waiting for the bus. It just shows that great things start from humble beginnings because, apart from the guitar on the front, the Sun building could easily be, say, a modest greengrocer’s shop. Jane’s the modest greengrocer’s assistant on the bench.