Sam Phillips before Sun (2)
Today a second show on the Memphis Recording Service, the studio of Sam Phillips before he established his own Sun label. And where most people know the studio as the place where Elvis started, it's also the career launching place of B.B. King, Ike Turner, Howling Wolf and Rosco Gordon.
The studio is still there, on 706 Union Avenue, and buses full of tourists are being brought there from the Graceland property to visit the place and get an entertaining guided tour. The guide emphasized that Sam Phillips first of all recorded the local blues - and he always named Howling Wolf as his greatest finding, even though the rockabilly artists brought him far more cash.
And though the claim 'Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll' maybe is a bit overstated - it felt like walking on holy ground while I visited the place, and I'm sure everyone there had the same feeling.
Playlist
- B.B. King - Hard Workin' Woman
- Joe Hill Louis - Gotta Go Baby
- B.B. King - She don't move me no more
- Rosco Gordon - What you got on your mind
- Jackie Brenston - Juiced
- Howlin' Wolf - Moanin' At Midnight
- Rosco Gordon - Love You 'til the Day I Die
- Howlin' Wolf - The Wolf Is At Your Door
- Doctor Ross - Dr. Ross' Boogie
- Billy 'Red' Love - Drop Top
- Howlin' Wolf - Mr Highway Man
- Willie Nix - Just One Mistake
- Woodrow Adams & Three Bs - Pretty Baby Blues
- Rufus Thomas - Decorate The Counter
- Joe Hill Louis - Dorothy Mae
- Big Walter Horton - Walter's Boogie
- Rosco Gordon - Too many women
- Big Tiny Kennedy - Don't lay this job on me
Outtro:
- Wild Bill Moore Sextette - Bongo Bounce
- Kirk Kirkland - The Saxaphone Rag
- Eddie Chamblee - All Out
- Hen Gates & his Gaters - Moondog Rock
- Joe Houston - Moody
- Paul Williams - Alcohol
- Plas Johnson - Downstairs
- Tiny Bradshaw - Heavy Juice