December 4, 1956
SUN RECORDS HOSTS "MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET"
Memphis, Tennessee (JFK+50) An impromptu gospel jam session was hosted today at the Sun Records recording studio here in Memphis.
The studio, operated by Sam Phillips*, is located at 760 Union Avenue.
The jam session involved 4 up & coming recording stars: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & Elvis Presley.
Johnny Cash's recent hits include 'Folsom Prison Blues' & 'I Walk the Line,' Jerry Lee Lewis will release 'Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On' next month, Carl Perkins is famous for 'Blue Suede Shoes,' & Elvis Presley's 1st hit was 'That's All Right Mama.'
The session was recorded by Sun Records engineer, Jack Clement.**
*Sam Phillips (1923-2003) was born near Florence, Alabama. He opened his recording studio in Memphis on Jan 3, 1950.
Phillips recorded differing music styles including rock n roll & the blues.
He sold Elvis Presley's contract to RCA in 1955 for $35,000.
**A photo was made & published the following day in the Memphis Press-Scimitar. The caption with the picture read "Million Dollar Quartet".
The recording tape made by Clement was not discovered & released until 1981.
Sun Recording Studio
Memphis, Tennessee
Photo by Egghead06 (2007)
