b. 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana

influenced by country, gospel and blues

traveled to Memphis in ‘56 to audition for Sun

boogie woogie piano & unbridled vocals, wild performer

1957 breakout year: “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Breathless,” “High School Confidential”

Jerry Lee Lewis

Inducted 1986

Memphis Recording Service / Sun Studios

Sam Phillips1923-2003

Inducted 1986

Memphis, TN1952: Sun Records is

formed; Phillips recorded over 226 singles in 16 years

January 1950: opened the Memphis Recording

Service

Memphis and the Memphis SoundSW corner of TN bordering Mississippi, Arkansas

major slave market on Mississippi River; one of world’s largest cotton markets

center of blues, beginning in 1920s; center for electric blues and R&B after WWII

white country musicians drawn to black music

guitar-driven, strong gospel roots

Recorded February 1957, released April 1957

#3 on pop chart; #1 on R&B chart

Jerry Lee Lewis

“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On”

Sun Recording Artists

B.B. KingInducted 1987

Howlin’ WolfInducted 1991

Rufus Thomas

Jerry Lee LewisInducted 1986

Johnny CashInducted 1992

Carl PerkinsInducted 1987

Elvis PresleyInducted 1986

Roy OrbisonInducted 1987