Several of the greatest names in rock ‘n’ roll and country music recorded at the legendary Sun studios in Memphis, such as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Elvis Presley, “The Killer” Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Charlie Rich. In “The Next Elvis,” Barbara Barnes Sims recalls her days working for hall of famer Sam Phillips, and his brother Judd during 1957 to 1960.
Sims describes what it was like to work for the energetic and ambitious Phillips, a true musical pioneer. It would be Phillips, along with Marion Keisker, that would first record and help the launch the career of Elvis Presley. She recalls the time she met a young Presley, still dressed in his Army green uniform, during a visit to the Sun studios while on leave from the military. Sims also outlines her duties in working with many of the top recording stars, including Orbison, who wanted to be the next Elvis.
The author worked in promotions for Sun Records, and she takes us back to the PR nightmare the label endured when it was learned that “The Killer” had married his thirteen year cousin. Sims describes the steps taken to clean up his image, and recalls the hard feelings Sam Phillips had towards Johnny Cash when it was revealed that he had signed with a different recording label. In response, Phillips booked marathon sessions to record as many Cash songs that they could before his contract expired. Feeling neglected by Phillips, Orbison also left Sun Records, and even bought out his contract to sign with a rival label.
Also in “The Next Elvis,” Sims relives the process of Sun moving operations to a new location, and learning that Judd had left to form his own record label. Sam Phillips also created Phillips International Records, a sub-label of Sun Records. Shelby Singleton eventually purchased Sun Records in 1969, but the famous 706 Union Street location remains a popular tourist spot for visitors to see where it all started for the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Finally, Simms left Suns Records to a pursue a career in teaching. Sims recalls the day she told Phillips she was leaving, and his shares his reaction.
By: Barbara Barnes Sims
Narrated by: Lee Ann Howlett
Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 06-29-15
