Ten dollars to tour a tiny, cramped, old, one-room recording studio? I’m in! In all actuality this was a more compelling tour to me than Graceland. I loved this place and the authenticity that went with it. The guide had Memphis flare, told some intriguing stories, and allowed the visitors to hear some of the first music recorded at the studio, like Elvis’ first recording apparently done for his mother's birthday (that was months prior) and Ike Turner's "rocket 88" (the first Rock n Roll song ever recorded).
When you first walk into Sun Studios, the room is situated like a café with plenty of knick-knacks to browse and purchase. They have a counter to sit at and buy a drink or a little something to eat if needed. When the tour begins you are escorted up stairs to a room that serves as a preservation of the Studio's history. Then you are led down to what was the main entrance of Sun Studios, and into the place where all the greats recorded their hits. It’s a quick simple tour that last about half and hour (if I recall correctly).
The only negative I had about the tour was that there were sooo many people squished in like sardines (and some of them smelling that way) that it was hard to move about freely and see all the displays. By the time the tour guide was done talking and moving on with the tour you barely had time to check out everything he was covering. Jonathan told me that this was not reminiscent of the tour he did a couple years a go. He said there were only about ten people in his group the last time. We went late in the afternoon, on a Monday, so if you go, check into it prior, you might want to plan on going early so you have time and room to see everything.
Bill Black Stood Here during the recording of "That's alright mama!"
The most photographed microphone in the world!
Oh, well my singing aspirations are out the window!
You have to love Sun Studios for having a Pepsi Machine
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