67: Sun Studio, Part 1: The Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll

Hometown History - A podcast by Shane L. Waters

Step into Sun Studio, where the spirit of rock and roll is immortalized in every corner. In Part 1 of our series, we rewind to "Rocket 88" and unfold the story of the studio that captured the genesis of rock and its legendary architects. From the bluesy undertones of B.B. King to the spontaneous harmony of the Million Dollar Quartet, we're tuning into the soundtrack of a cultural revolution. The opening riffs of "Rocket 88" ricochet through time, bringing us back to the hallowed halls of Sun Studio, where the raw energy of rock and roll first burst into the world. This isn't just any music studio; it's the birthplace of a revolution in sound, led by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, with the iconic Ike Turner at the piano. Nestled in the heart of Memphis, Sun Studio became a melting pot of musical geniuses across genres, a place where B.B. King's bluesy strings met the soul-stirring voices of Roy Orbison and Rufus Thomas. And who could forget the Million Dollar Quartet? One December night in 1956, four titans of music — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis — gathered around the microphone for an impromptu jam session that would become the stuff of legend. Join us as we explore the walls that echo with the early chords of rock icons and trace the vibrations of a cultural phenomenon that resonated across the globe. Sun Studio is more than a recording booth; it's where music was reborn. For more episodes that illuminate the corners of music history, visit our website at itshometownhistory.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.