Elvis Presley

significance of the label is undeniable. Not only did Sun Records discover and record several now legendary artists, they were also pioneers. Doing a lot of things that never had been done before. They challenged racial barriers, conservative musical ideas and arguably created rock and roll with "Rocket 88" (Jackie Brenston/Ike Turner) in 1951. And by doing this, they helped the world taking another step towards freedom.

Johnny Cash -
               I Walk The Line, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, The Man Comes Around, Hurt
Carl Perkins -
              Blue Suede Shoes, Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby, Matchbox
Jerry Lee Lewis -
             Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Crazy Arms
Roy Orbison -
             Pretty Woman, Only The Lonely, You Got It
B.B. King -
              The Thrill Is Gone, How Blue Can You Get, Everyday I Have The Blues, It's My Own Fault
Howlin’ Wolf -
              I Ain't Superstitious, How Many More Years, Little Red Rooster, Smokestack Lightning
Ike & Tina Turner -
             River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, A Fool In Love

Sam Phillips (1923-2003)

When Elvis the truckdriver made his very first recording, a present for his mother, Sam Phillips had found what he was looking for. A good looking, young, white man with the ability to sound black. No time was wasted and a recording session was booked. It turned out to be harder than expected. The band and a nervous Elvis couldn't seem to find the right feel and it was decided to call it a day. Suddenly a far more relaxed Elvis started It's Alright (Mama) and the rest is, as they say, history.

Due to financial struggles Phillips sold Elvis' contract in November 1955, but by doing so he was able to continue discovering and releasing fresh and exciting talents.

Phillips died of respiratory failure only one day before the original Sun Studios was designated a National Historic Landmark

SCOTTY MOORE (1931- )

Was leading his own band called Starlite Wranglers before Phillips asked if he would consider backing Elvis. Moore's influence on guitarists of the second rock generation (The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Animals among others) is probably comparable to the one of Chuck Berry and Hank Marvin of The Shadows.

Bill Black (1926-1965)

The bass player and a clown on stage. Considering Scotty Moore was shy and introvert and Elvis was dangerous with with his challenging hip movements, Black was the one offering some balance to their shows and had a relaxing effect on the audience. He left Elvis in 1958 arguing over financial terms. Only six years later he died from a brain tumor.

COLONEL TOM PARKER (1909 - 1997)

Parker became Elvis' manager in 1955 and was the one
convincing RCA to buy Elvis out from Sun Records.
$35.000 was all it took, and after releasing "Heartbreak Hotel"
the road to stardom laid wide open.

Parker is the one fans blame for Elvis' decision to persue an
acting career. Not that Elvis was a very good actor (could have
been worse, though!), but let's be honest: he was a better
singer. The acting career took focus off of doing what he did
best and this very much is a reason for the the hugh amount of
records released with semi-quality material (mostly rather lame
soundtracks). This undoubtly hurt Presley's musical legacy
and it wasn't until 1968 and the "comeback special" that Elvis
was taken seriously again. Whether these accusations are
100% or should be left unsaid. What is true is that Parker took
care of Elvis and they both became very rich men.

After the death of Elvis, Parker worked as entertainment
advisor for Hilton Hotels. He died of a stroke in 1997.