Memphis, Tennessee
In a time before paparazzi and before the explosion of fame, four young singers, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash, ended up at Sun Records Recording Studio on December 4, 1956. This moment is forever captured in one of the most famous photographs in Rock and Roll history, and thanks to the presence of mind of Jack Clement, the impromptu jam session was recorded on tape forever.
What were the guys doing at Sun Studios on that fateful Tuesday in rock and roll history? Carl Perkins, most famous for singing “Blue Suede Shoes,” was in the studio recording that day. He had some of his usual band, but an unknown Jerry Lee Lewis was in the studio to play on the Wurlitzer. Some time in the afternoon, Elvis Presley, who was already working for RCA, dropped by for a social visit. Johnny Cash was also there, either at the beginning to watch Carl Perkins, or sometime towards the end to make the trio a quartet.
The newly dubbed “Million Dollar Quartet” sang bits and pieces of many songs, including quite a few hymns from their youth. The recording of the songs is found below.
When you walk into the recording room today in Sun Records, the quartet would still recognize this studio. The holes in the photograph on the wall match the holes in the studio sound. The recording studio is still in use, although it now features more modern equipment. Many artists have recorded at Sun Studios in recent years, as the room’s acoustics provide an excellent sound quality.
Memphis is a city that oozes culture and history. The music recorded at Sun Studios changed the world and is well worth a visit for a wide range of travelers. The music produced in Sun Studios influenced the world.
