Sun Studio, Memphis (must see)
No trip to Memphis would be complete without a stop at the famous Sun Studio. Originally, it was called the Memphis Recording Service. The studio was opened by Sam Phillips in 1950 and was located in the same building as the Sun Records record label. Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Ike Turner, and B.B. King are just a few of the greats who either recorded here or were signed at the label.
The studio was nicknamed the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” when Ike and Tina Turner recorded here their Rocket 88 song, considered by many to be the first Rock ‘n’ Roll track. In 1960, the studio was moved to Madison Avenue and renamed Phillips Recording.
Twenty-five years later, Phillips returned to the Sun with Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis to record the Class of '55 album. In 1987, the studio was restored to its former glory and became a tourist attraction while still remaining a fully-operational recording facility.
During the day, the building is open for tours. In the evening, artists can rent the studio to make records. Among the "must-see's" here are the video interviews with people who either recorded themselves or worked with those who had recorded at the studio.
The studio was nicknamed the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” when Ike and Tina Turner recorded here their Rocket 88 song, considered by many to be the first Rock ‘n’ Roll track. In 1960, the studio was moved to Madison Avenue and renamed Phillips Recording.
Twenty-five years later, Phillips returned to the Sun with Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis to record the Class of '55 album. In 1987, the studio was restored to its former glory and became a tourist attraction while still remaining a fully-operational recording facility.
During the day, the building is open for tours. In the evening, artists can rent the studio to make records. Among the "must-see's" here are the video interviews with people who either recorded themselves or worked with those who had recorded at the studio.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Memphis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Sun Studio on Map
Sight Name: Sun Studio
Sight Location: Memphis, USA (See walking tours in Memphis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Memphis, USA (See walking tours in Memphis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Memphis, Tennessee
Create Your Own Walk in Memphis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Memphis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Memphis Downtown Walking Tour
Downtown is the oldest part of Memphis. This vibrant and culturally rich district is home to a variety of historical, artistic, and entertainment destinations that collectively reflect the unique heritage and spirit of the “blues city”.
One of the area's standout attractions is the Fire House Museum, a fascinating spot where visitors can explore the history of the city's fire... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of the area's standout attractions is the Fire House Museum, a fascinating spot where visitors can explore the history of the city's fire... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Memphis Introduction Walking Tour
One of the most iconic destinations in the United States, the city of Memphis has gone down in history for many different reasons. Set on a bluff over the Mississippi River, the site of today's Memphis has been settled for over a thousand years by various cultures, including the Indian tribe of Chickasaw. The latter encountered European explorers in the 16th century. In the 18th century,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
A substantial part of Memphis' heritage is manifested in its iconic buildings. By far more than just bricks and mortar, they are a history window through which one can observe the city's growth and development over the years. Here's a brief overview of some of these notable structures.
Harsson-Goyer-Lee House: This charming 19th-century mansion stands as a testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Harsson-Goyer-Lee House: This charming 19th-century mansion stands as a testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Memphis Blues Walking Tour
If you're a music fan, visiting Memphis, Tennessee, is a must! As the cradle of blues, this city has influenced many musicians and music lovers worldwide. The soulful blues genre is deeply rooted in the history of Memphis. Below is just a sample of an awesome list of places to learn more about Memphis Blues’ juicy past, present, and future.
One of the essential stops for any blues... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the essential stops for any blues... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Elvis Presley Walking Tour
Above all other celebrities, Memphis, Tennessee, is primarily associated with Elvis Aaron Presley (known to the majority worldwide simply as Elvis). Thus, it is not at all surprising that Memphis serves as a sort of shrine to the man and his music. Even though Presley passed away in 1977, his fans keep flocking into the city to this day to pay their respects to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles