Sun Records

Sun Records is a favorite of mine, so I thought I'd learn more about it and the history behind it. 

Sam Phillips was an American musician, record executive and a music producer. He played a major role in the development of rock and roll music in the 1950s. Phillips started his career in the 1940s as a DJ and Radio Engineer for Music Shoals radio station. The radio station had an “open format” which means that they broadcasted music from both back and white musicians. Working here would later inspired Phillips work in Memphis. 

In 1950 he started his own label called Memphis Recording Service (later named Sun Studio). His slogan was "We Record Anything - Anywhere - Anytime." During the 1950s the black musicians did not have as much opportunity to record as other folks did. Phillips felt it was his responsibility to record them and get their music out to the white population. This is how amateur artists like B.B King, Junior Parker, and Howlin' Wolf ended up recording here. To keep his doors open, Phillips would sell their performances to larger recording labels to make money. He would also record weddings and funerals.

Producing alone didn’t make him much money and he could hardly pay the bills so he decided to cut out the middle man and both produce and distribute the albums himself. In 1952 he launched his own record label called Sun Records.Phillips combine his love for R&B with Country, creating a unique sound. Influential artist like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash first were discovered by Phillips and first recorded at Sun Records.

The company remains in business as Sun Entertainment Corporation. They currently license its brand and classic hit records to independent reissue labels. Their website sells collectible items as well as compact disc bearing the original 1950s Sun Logo. The only artist to be signed to the label since the 1970's is country musician Julie Roberts. 

Here's a good video to watch if you want to learn more about Sun Records. 

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http://www.sunrecords.com/about