“If music was a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio its most holy shrine.” Take a guided tour through the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” where you will learn the history of the most famous recording studio in the world.
EXPERIENCE:
During the tours that are given at the bottom half of every hour, you will experience outtakes from recording sessions, touch Elvis’ first microphone and hear the real history of the studio that launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, B.B. King and many more. What trip to Sun Studio would be complete without adding to your music collection or grabbing one of the best milkshakes in town. Sun Studio is still an active recording business for many notable artists including U2, JW-Jones, Hubert Sumlin, Larry Taylor and Richard Innes, John Mellencamp and more.
HISTORY:
Sun Studio was opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips on January 3, 1950 with the goal of capturing the pure, raw energy of Beale Street. The studio was responsible for the first rock and roll single, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88” in 1951. Over the years, many recording artists got their start at the studio located at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Charlie Feathers, Ray Harris, Warren Smith, Charlie Rich, and Jerry Lee Lewis – all of whom signed with the Sun label. Although Sam Phillips moved his recording studio to a larger location in 1959, it was later reopened in its original building in 1987 again as a recording business and tourist attraction.
INSIDERS TIP:
There is a free shuttle to & from Graceland, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Sun Studio. Free parking is located behind Sun Studio.
OTHER INFO:
Sun recordings are available in the gift shop along with books, concert posters and other Sun stuff.
Tour length: 45 minutes
Admission: $12 per person
Hours of operation: open daily 10am-6pm. Closed some holidays.
Minimum group size: 20
Maximum group size: 50
Group admission: $9 per person
Comp policy: driver/escort free
Group reservations required
- Wheelchair accessible
- Gift shop
- Guide available
