Ep 5. Good Rockin' Tonight: the Legacy of Sun Records

In season 16, episode 5 of American Masters, viewers are taken on a journey through the legacy of Sun Records, a small Memphis-based record label that revolutionized the music industry in the 1950s. The episode, titled "Good Rockin' Tonight: the Legacy of Sun Records," explores the label's history and impact on music through insightful interviews with the people who were there for it all.

The episode begins by setting the scene in post-World War II America, where music was starting to become a way for young people to express themselves and rebel against societal norms. Sun Records, founded by Sam Phillips in 1952, captured this cultural shift by recording and releasing music that had never been heard before. The label was responsible for launching the careers of some of the biggest names in music history, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Through interviews with musicians, music historians, and Phillips' own family members, viewers are given an intimate look into the life and work of Sam Phillips. Phillips' passion for music and desire to give unheard voices a chance to be heard is evident in his work at Sun Records. Viewers learn about the early days of the label when Phillips would record anyone who came into the studio, regardless of whether or not they had any musical talent. This approach led to the discovery of artists like B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Rufus Thomas, who would go on to have successful careers in blues music.

The episode also delves into the complicated relationship between Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley. Phillips discovered Presley in 1954, and together they recorded the iconic single "That's All Right." The episode explores the impact that this single had on music and society, as Elvis' unique style helped break down racial barriers in the music industry. However, tensions between Phillips and Presley soon arose due to disagreements over management and creative control. Through archival footage and interviews, viewers get an inside look at the dynamics between these two music legends.

Beyond Presley, the episode also explores the careers of Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, both of whom got their start at Sun Records. Interviews with Cash's family members and Lewis himself give viewers a personal look into the lives of these two influential musicians. Cash's struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his music are discussed, as well as Lewis' controversial marriage to his 13-year-old cousin. Despite the challenges they faced, both Cash and Lewis went on to become music legends in their own right, and their contributions to the Sun Records legacy are still felt today.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to plenty of classic music, with performances from the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. These performances, combined with archival footage and insightful interviews, paint a vivid picture of the impact that Sun Records had on the music industry and American culture as a whole. By providing an in-depth look at the label and the people behind it, "Good Rockin' Tonight: the Legacy of Sun Records" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of rock and roll.