Sun Studio named historic landmark

Sun Studio in Memphis, where recording pioneer Sam Phillips discovered Elvis Presley and other rock’n roll legends, is to receive historic landmark designation from the US government.

The ceremony, to take place in Washington tomorrow, will make Sun the first recording studio in the US to become a historic landmark.

The landmark designation is “more for Phillips than some of the stars who recorded there,” National Park Service historian Patty Henry said.

“Even if Elvis had never recorded there, Phillips was very influential in pioneering the rock and roll sound.”

The designation will make Sun eligible for some federal grants and tax incentives.

Sun Studio is where some of the most important rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, blues and R&B artists of the 1950s recorded.

It was where Presley recorded That’s All Right and Carl Perkins recorded Blue Suede Shoes. BB King, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis also recorded there.