July 8, 1954 – The fuse that ignited Rock and Roll was lit when Elvis Presleys “Thats Alright Mama” was first played by Dewey Phillips on WHBQ in Memphis. It was played 14 times that night, and it created such a sensation, Elvis was called into the WHBQ studio for his first live interview. As they say, the rest is history. :) Fast forward to 2014. Sun Studio in Memphis is recreating the WHBQ stuido as it existed that night, with original equipment, and original acoustic tiles, doors, windows, etc. As a HUGE Sun Records/Orbison/Elvis fan, I was fortunate enough to be allowed to assist with a small part of the equipment acquisition, and Pat and I have permanently loaned two vintage RCA 70D turntables to Sun for the re-creation of the WHBQ studio. Today, I have received a beautiful letter from Sun, with several gifts, including a couple original acoustic tiles that had graced the WHBQ studio walls where Rock and Roll was given birth! Needless to say, this is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive!!!!!! :) :) :) Not too many people would get excited about an acoustic tile, but this tile stood witness to THE seminal moment in Rock and Roll History. I am hoping to be at Sun on the 60th anniversary of the Dewey Phillips airplay of “Thats Alright Mama”.....and, if I am really lucky, get my picture taken inside the recreated WHBQ studio :) Sun is in the planning stages for an official debut of the WHBQ studio when it is completed next month.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:18:44 +0000