Hello, All. I hope this blog post finds everyone well. I am glad to be on the mend after an unexpected stint in the hospital, and though I could not have foreseen such an ordeal, I am very sorry that it has placed a stop-gap in the way. But, we are back on schedule this week. This last weekend, you were to have visited Sun Studios. I am anxious to hear about what you learned, what impressed you, and what (if anything) left you seeing Memphis in a new or refreshed light. To help shape and direct our conversation, I would like to you begin your thread by naming some of the top performers who started their career with Sun. Some are obvious, like our Million Dollar Quartet, while some aren't. Who are they? Also, did any surprises pop up? Were there any famous names who have recorded at Sun recently? Any gossip?
Do tell, do share, do take about 200 words. I am so eager to hear your thoughts and impressions. Also! As an added bit of fun, if you have photos you might like to share with the class, by all means, let me know and I will upload them in the post, or feel free to upload them into your comments.
Expect an email from me by tomorrow afternoon: we will pick a time to gather and talk about your projects and their progress as well as the events coming up this week. Check the syllabus for the visiting poet that is happening very soon, as well as Honors Day Convocation on April 4th at 3 PM, Nabors Auditorium. All are expected to be there, even if you cannot stay the full time.
I went to Sun Studios last Friday and it was amazing. My tour guy, Zach, was very enthusiastic about all the information he was giving us; so it made the tour way more fun. The first thing I want to talk about is Rufus Thomas' song "Bear Cat". This song sounded alike like Big Mama Thorton's "Hound dog". I was surprised to find out that many people would take the tune of a song and change the words and make it their own. This was known as a call and response type of thing. Of course this ended soon because of copyright issues and all these legal issues. The most interesting thing I learned about was this group called The Prisonaires. This was a vocal group that started a band in prison. This was absolutely crazy to me because they actually got famous and released music from prison, but this wasn't even the most shocking part.The most shocking part was that the Governor during this time grant every member of that group pardon, because he loved their song "Just Walkin' In The Rain" so much. Can you believe how insane that is? I still can't believe it's real because it doesn't even sound like it should happen. I also loved the fact that the recording studio and everything in it is still pretty much the same. I loved how they marked where Elvis stood when he was recording and how they still had the mic from when they first recorded. It was just really mind blowing how much history was in that place. It was also way bigger than I thought it was because it just seems small on the outside. I also enjoyed that they actually played some of the artist songs during our tour. I thought it nice to actually hear the piece while our tour guide was speaking. It almost set the mood and kind of put you back in time of when the song was first written. I also want to mention Dewey Phillips. Dewey was a radio personal. We actually got the opportunity to see his radio station set up area and also hear him introduce a song on the radio. It so crazy to think about how much history there is in Memphis and how much you never actually took the time out to see.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my first tour of Sun Studios and only wished I had visited with my dad who was a musician. Some of the top performers were Carl Perkins who wrote and performed "Blue Suede Shoes" that influenced Elvis and started rock n roll. Ray Smith from Kentucky recorded "Why Why Why/You made a Hit" Sun's 308 who's talent was discovered by his by Sargeant in the Air Force. Joe Hill Louis aka "Be-Bop Boy" was a one man band playing guitar, drums, harmonica and singing. Chester Burnett was named The Howling Wolf by Sam Phillips in 1950 and influenced Jim Morrison, The Rolling Stones and The Who. I find it fascinating how these early musicians singing from their souls made such a powerful impact on their culture. It was like the butterfly effect batting its soft wings and creating a hurricane far away. One of the pictures that made me laugh was the one with Elvis when he was 19 sitting in a booth holding a revolver belonging to an Arkansas Trooper before performing lead of the Blue Moon Boys at the local high school. I was also impressed that the first guitar Elvis had was only a dollar and that it took the family almost 6 months to save up for him to collect 4 dollars to record a song. Marion Keisker was a significant piece to the Elvis factor, encouraging him to record even though he was nervous and kept a bug in Sam's ear about Elvis. Even though a year passed after that recording she knew he was something special and encouraged Sam to put him in what would be the Million Dollar Quartet. There's a newspaper clipping that stated that Elvis was a nail bitter which shows his humanity in being at the cusp of a new paradigm shift. I didn't realize that WHBQ started out inside the basement of St. John's Methodist Church. Sam only rented what was the studio and I loved how Sun Museum kept it in its original form. Even though the furniture pieces aren't original they are true to the time period. It was thrilling to stand where Elvis stood and actually hold his mic. I enjoyed hearing about Johnny Cash since he's my husbands favorite and the tour guide said that Johnny Cash was the most troubled musician that Sun Records dealt with. That isn't surprising seeing that he came from an impoverished family being one of seven children. Hearing how he was greatly influenced by his mother's folk and gospel songs was poignant for me. I loved hearing how Johnny Cash only sold one appliance while he was working across the street to none other than Marion the secretary. During his recordings with the Tennessee Three, he put a dollar bill on his acoustic guitar to mimic a snare drum. You could hear it in "Get rhythm.". I was also thrilled to see the drums that U2 left since they're iconic of the 1980's music I love. I find it incredible how much Memphis has touched the world and how so many identify with its heartaches and pains like the Irish.
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ReplyDeleteVisiting Sun Studio not only opened my eyes to a location in Memphis I never visited but it also allowed me to learn some cool history about some big names that recorded in Memphis’ own Sun Studio. I always knew about one of the biggest icons of Memphis which is Elvis Presley. He was a young kid coming into the studio once he graduated high school to record. When he got his chance to show what he has in performance wise, he was shot down because the owner, Sam Phillips, did not like his style of the slow love singing. Elvis was called back by Sam and was given another shot and after almost all day recording; Sam stumbled upon Elvis playing around with other musicians on a song singing and dancing and Sam loved it. I learned that was Elvis’ big break. Another legend I learned about was Johnny Cash. From late 1954 to July 1958, Cash recorded for Sun Records. He was a Grammy Award-winning American country singer and songwriter. Cash is widely considered to be one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, the boom-chick-a-boom or “freight train” sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, his demeanor, and his dark clothing, which earned him the nickname “The Man in Black”. I was surprised about hearing the name of Howlin Wolf. All my life he was the only person my grandmother would always talk about. Howlin’ Wolf quickly became a local celebrity, and soon began working with a band that included both Willie Johnson and guitarist Pat Hare. His first recordings came in 1951. What was even more special was that knowing that I share a blood line with this man. He was my grandmother’s favorite cousin throughout their childhood. Our tour guide made our adventure or learning day much more thrilling. He loved what he was doing but better yet he was a musician so he had a better connection with explaining different things. He even did some dances and sang along with songs that had the whole crowd excited. I enjoyed my trip and I plan on going back with my grandmother so she can hear about her older cousin.
Sun Studios
ReplyDeleteI liked Howling Wolf, back in the day. My favorite song of his was "Spoonful". I still enjoy that song today! I thoroughly enjoyed this trek! I had an opportunity to interview our Tour Guide! I didn't know he was, at the time. I had assumed he was an up-and-coming musician, playing his harmonica for tips. He played his harmonica for me during the interview and played a very moving rendition of "Amazing Grace". He said he had been playing a harmonica for many years. He explained that in the last three years he had gotten serious about playing his harmonica. He shared with me that Kevin Bacon was the most, recent, famous person to visit Sun Studious.
The forty-five minutes’ wait was not long enough for me to view all the pictures and articles on the various walls of the waiting area/eating area/ticket area. I had the opportunity to see Elvis and a young B.B. King in a photo together! There was a picture of Elvis Presley and his parents, when he was just a toddler. Jason, our Tour Guide, has the right personality for Sun Studios. He was informative, yet witty. He really changed my concept of thinking concerning "Tours". I normally think of them as boring, uneventful, lack of excitement task to complete. This was a wonderfully refreshing tour. Jason encouraged us to sing along with the songs we knew and he sang and danced with us. This was more of an informative, interesting and fun Party!
I got a chance to hear Dewey Phillips (a famous and well-known D.J.) introduce and play Elvis ‘s song ” Hound Dog ”. It was an instant hit!
Jason shared an interesting story about the Prisonaires, they were real prisoners, who were freed by then governor to sing! there hit "Just Walking in The Rain" sounded pretty good. The governor loved them so well ,that after road tours were over,he made them his personal band.Jason told us Dewey was no relation to Mr. Sam Phillips, same last names were merely a coincidence. We could view Elvis Presley’s original Graduation Diploma, from Humes High School. Elvis’s school yearbook was also displayed. The WHBQ original equipment for broadcasting was on display. The wonderful technology changes, not only in music, but radio and television are beyond words. However, it was good to hear Mr. Phillips started with meager equipment, yet he created famous artist! Jason shocked us by stating Mr. Phillips sold Elvis Presley's contract to the RCA label for $30,000. The highest paid for any singer during this time.Mr. Phillips did this because, he was about to lose Sun Studios and in an effort to save it and help future artist, he thought it a good move for all. It gave me a sad and disappointed feeling momentarily. I cant help loving you begin to play and all negative feelings seem to immediately dissipate. My most fondest memory is being allowed to use the same, old, famous microphone that Elvis, Johnny, Carl, Jerry Lee. Howling Wolf, BB and other famous singers had used at Sun Studios. There was a picture of Elvis in one of his famous singing poses, including the sexy snarl of his lips.. Jason encouraged all of us who dared to use the mic and lip sync , sexy snarl and all to "Cant Help Falling in Love". I was the first to volunteer. I couldn't get the snarl right, but I sure had fun trying!
I visited Sun Studio on a Saturday April 1 around lunch time and I was astonish to see how many people were there waiting for the tour. While the people waited or finish the tour several were sitting at the bar and tables. I thought this was extremely cool feel, because it seemed like several locals come in there and get a drink. In a way I wish I would have known that they serve hot drinks when I was going to the Union campus last semester, where I did not have to drive all the way to Starbucks. This trek opened my eyes to how much musical talent Memphis and the surrounding areas had and it was not only in a specific genre. When Sam Phillips originally opened the studio, it was mainly releasing blues/jazz music and among the artist were B.B. King, Joe Louis, Rufus Thomas, and Howlin' Wolf. The most famous artist in this group was B.B. King who is like the father of the Blues, but the most interesting event in the beginning stages to me was when Rufus Thomas recorded "Bearcat" in response to the hit song at the time, "Hound Dog." The reason I say this is because Thomas was talking about the lady that sung "Hound Dog," but would have to cut the song due to it being so similar to "Hound Dog" and was considered copying. This made Sam Phillips to almost go bankrupt and started to recording prisoners songs that became known as the Black Quartet, this was another interesting time in Sun Studio that showed how Sam Phillips was magical with ideas that helped him keep a float until the next big artist walked in. Sun Studio's next big artist would be a young guy straight out of high school that sung rock/country, which made Phillips not want to record him do to him not being a Blues singer. This astonished me, because it was Elvis Presley that would become the king of Rock'n'Roll. And to know that Phillips almost did not sign him until one night when Elvis was messing around with a group of guys on instruments in the recording studio and Elvis caught Phillips attention when he was strumming on a guitar. And would letter sell Elvis's records to RCA and used the money further the career of one the biggest Country music icon, Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash would be Phillips most consistent artist on top songs that allowed Phillips to ride him and the money until retirement. Since than Sun Studio has been converted into a museum, but still allows artist to record in the original studio. The artist consisted of U2 and Def Leppard in the recent recording. I was surprised to hear that the recording studio is all original from the floor tile to the ceiling tiles. I was so happy to be able to tour Sun Studio for my first time and showed how many great artist have roots in the Mid-South in all genres.
ReplyDeleteWhile unfortunately I was not able to go to Sun Studios as I was sick at the time, I decided to go to the Memphis Zoo as my replacement trek (although I will go to Sun Studios in the Summer if I'm able to.) I've been to the Zoo before, and every experience is always unique and fun. I had the luxury to go at the end of April since I was doing my research on my Panda project. What personally draws me in to this zoo is the attention to detail and authenticity of every part of the zoo. It is evident that those in charge of the zoo care for both the zoo visitors and the zoo residents. They're always looking for new ways to improve the zoo experience, like the Zambezi River Camp. I try to go at least two or three times per year and I never regret it, especially exhibits like Cat Country, Animals of the Night, and, of course all of the bears. Interesting note is that the Memphis Zoo is one of only four zoos with Pandas in the entire United States.
ReplyDeleteI am a student at Southwest Tennessee Community College. I am currently enrolled for the Spring Semester 2018. I came to Memphis in 2006. I don't know much about Memphis City. The places I have visited were "The Graceland" twice, "The Cannon Center" once to see the symphony orchestra played, and the "Memphis in May" once to see different music bands played. I like the fried food and the diversity restaurants available for Memphian residents and visitors to visit in the City of Memphis. The only thing I dislike is the crime that gets out of hand. Once crime is under control, the Memphian residents and visitors will be more comfortable to enjoy visiting the amusement parks, museums, and downtown Memphis. I hope to explore more the City of Memphis in the future.
ReplyDeleteOn Saturday, January 27, 2018, I attend the Wilson production play called the "Fences" at the Memphis Theater started at 8:00PM. I decided to attend the Wilson play because I have not seen an actual play live in front of the audience. I purchased my own ticket and was ushered on the second floor of the Theater. The production was typical low income family life story. The head of the household, the man, always make the life choices for each family member; such as the youngest son wanted to play and sign up for the football team, but the father didn't allow him to play football. The father was thinking of signing up for the baseball team, but unable to. He got in trouble with the law and spent some time for committing the crime and too old when got out. The youngest son was disappointed unable to join the football team and decided to join the marine, instead, and left home. The family land property fences was not put up completely. The father produced a daughter outside of marriage. The daughter was given care by the wife of 18 years. The father acted responsibly helping the disabled brother when in trouble. The wife stayed home to care for the house cleaning, cooking, and laundry hardly go outing except for church service. The family land property fences was completely put up. At the end of the story, the father passed away and the youngest son came home from marine service, get acquainted with step-sister, and attended the father's funeral. The production was finished at 10:30PM.
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