One of the most innovative and inspiring figures in the history of American music, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips introduced the world to Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, B. B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Rufus Thomas, and many other brilliant and original artists. His musical tastes and his creative philosophy led him to discover and record artists with singular styles, who sang with raw emotion. The sounds he captured in his small, storefront studio changed popular music forever.

This book was published as a companion to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibition Flyin’ Saucers Rock & Roll: The Cosmic Genius of Sam Phillips, co-curated by award-winning writer Peter Guralnick, who has previously written acclaimed biographies of both Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips. The richly illustrated book features more than 140 rare photos, and it includes insightful writing from Guralnick and Sam Phillips’s son, Knox Phillips.

Contributors

Acknowledgements

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

Foreword by Knox Phillips

The Unplowed Row by Peter Guralnick

Flyin' Saucers Rock & Roll: The Cosmic Genius of Sam Phillips by the Staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Perfect Imperfection

Cotton Crop Blues

Radio!

Memphis Recording Service

Everybody Loves My Rocket 88

Where the Soul of Man Nver Dies

Sun Rise

New Horizon

Improvised Revolution

Good Rockin' Tonight

Go, Cat, Go!

Great Balls of Fire

Rated Adult

1000 Beautiful Watts

Sun Set

Sun Worship

Board of Officers and Trustees

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the evolving history and traditions of country music. Through exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the Museum teaches its diverse audiences about the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music. Peter Guralnick is an award-winning biographer of Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley.