Sam Phillips: The Rolling Stone Interview

[BeyondGeography]

From 1986. Visited Sun Studios the other day and I'm reading the Peter Guralnick book about Sam, so I'm a little obsessed right now about the many musical miracles he produced. But, I promise you, if you read this interview, you will be rewarded:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-rolling-stone-interview-sam-phillips-19860213

[Docreed2003]

1. The man was a legend for sure!

I attended Med school just a couple blocks up from Sun at UT College of Medicine. At that time, the cafe was still present at the studio, its now where you enter for the tour/gift shop. I'd go there all the time for lunch and to study. I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Sam several times when I lived in Memphis. He had a rough exterior but I always found him gracious and he was always willing to share his amazing stories. Whenever I go back to Memphis, I always make a pilgrimage to Sun...it's a truly amazing and special place.

Pete Guralnick is a great guy too. He's an encyclopedia of musical knowledge. He two volume biography of Elvis is exceptional and really captures the human aspect and the struggles and flaws of the man.

[BeyondGeography]

2. The Elvis books really are great (responding to Doc)

I think I'm going to have to read all of Guralnick's books; he leaves it all on the pages. There certainly are duller and less illuminating ways to deepen one's understanding (and appreciation) of this country than through learning more about our music.

Love your Sam anecdote.