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My, how this piece of music history has aged and improved since I was a kid! This is a phenomenal and highly recommended tour. Asks bout veteran and AAA discounts if that applies to you. You will see a lot of recording history and stand in THE recording area where so many pioneering greats recorded and stood. You may already know the history, but there's nothing like living it!! Largely untouched, this is a must if you are in Memphis.
Joined the Mojo Music Bus plus Sun Studio tour package and had a great time visiting Sun Studio. It's such a cool and historic place with an amazing music legacy. The staff made the tour really engaging. The storytelling and explanations were fun, informative, and full of great behind-the-scenes history. One of the highlights was getting to take a photo with Elvis Presley's legendary microphone. Definitely worth visiting if you're into music history or have friends visiting Memphis!
On the grounds of the University of Tennessee, sun studio was a little tricky to find. We parked in their lot & were told the next tour is in an hour. There are only guided tours through sun studio from 10:30 until 4:30 on the hour. We purchased $18 tickets for admission. Josh led 25 of us through the exhibits playing music & pointing out photos & albums fr :30. Memphis recording service became Sun Record Company. We went downstairs to the recording studio & took photos with the instruments.. This dusty storefront is the home of American rock n/ roll. In the early 1950's Sam Phillips recorded blues artists Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison & Elvis who started here in 1953. .
The Sun Studio tour was very cool and I'm jealous that my friends don't get to see this piece of history. The tour guide did a great job with enthusiasm. I feel lucky to have been there and to have stood in the same recording studio as famous musicians have.
For anyone who finds this post, a mere speck amidst an ocean of reviews, I need you to understand something. This is one of the greatest tours I've ever taken! For context, you have to comprehend that I've visited 82 countries, all seven continents, and countless museums and historic sites around the globe! I don't bestow these compliments lightly, because the unfortunate side effect of all that travel is that I've become almost impossible to impress. But on a rainy Saturday afternoon while walkin' in Memphis, I strolled into Sun Studio for the first time, a place I'd never visited despite a half century of living in Tennessee. It was long overdue! I entered at 10:15 a.m. shortly after the studio opened, showed my voucher that I had purchased on their website, and signed up for the 10:30 a.m. tour. And it's one of the best things I've EVER seen on all my travels which is saying something!! You can feel the spirit of rock and roll here, expertly told by our guide Krista! It really gets in your soul once you listen to the stories, hear the musical excerpts, and realize the hallowed ground upon which you stand. What other museums in Memphis lack, Sun Studio more than makes up for with just one upstairs room of exhibits that are pivotal to the development of modern music. I won't give everything away so that you're motivated to take the tour yourself. But you'll learn how Sam Phillips founded the record studio, how a broken guitar in Mississippi led to the birth of a revolutionary sound, the legendary bands who recorded here and those who were inspired by the record label. Don't miss the original neon sign from Sun Studio and a radio station set rescued from an abandoned hotel! And of course, you'll learn how a teenaged Elvis pad a few dollars for a recording session, and the employee who vouched for him before Sam Phillips realized he was the future of music! You'll also see the active studio downstairs where hundreds of legendary acts have recorded, where the same floor and acoustically designed ceiling haven't changed since the '50s! Even the same microphone that recorded all of these icons still stands in the room, perfect for tourist photo ops! Please take this tour in your lifetime!! Don't wait as long as I did!!
What a great tour! We arrived at 1pm and were lucky enough to get into the 1:30pm tour. Our guide, Zach, clearly loves his job! He did a wonderful job explaining exhibits and history. So many big names recorded here: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and more. The original studio space still stands. Do yourself a favor and take the tour. So much info and it's a fun time at a reasonable price :)
This tour was remarkable. Particularly due to our impressive young tour guide Lydia. She has an amazing depth of knowledge about Memphis and its musical history. Related to Sun Studio and otherwise. The number of real artifacts they were able to collect here from back in the day, is astounding. The tour was peppered with music we knew, and music we've never heard before that influenced everything. The story of Sun Records was told in a compelling and informative way. At the very end, we got to stand exactly where Elvis stood, and we got to hold the mic that Elvis and all the other amazing vocalists all the way up to Bono used. When it was given to Sun Studio from the Sam Phillips estate, the agreement was that it wouldn't be behind glass. Fans would be able to touch it. Respect. We are staying in a lovely rental that has tons of memorabilia about Memphis music. There was one band that we did not recognize in a framed photo. ChatGPT and Google AI were not able to identify the band. But guess who could? Lydia! It was Big Star. A Memphis band from the 70s, with Alex Chilton. I'm gonna call it. The Sun Studio tour was better than the Graceland tour. Thanks, Lydia! (the rest of the staff was also great!)
Sun Records studio is where Rock N Roll was born! This is music history and a must stop for any fan of rock n roll. You will see authentic and replicated artifacts from one of music greatest eras. T shirts, records, stickers and so many more fun souvenirs are available to buy. The tour is about 45min and cost $20 per person. There is a "cafe" with limited options. Parking is tricky but there are a few spots accessible behind the building.
The birth place of Rock & Roll! I really never appreciated how this place gave birth to the music genre we now love until I did the tour. If you're a lover of Elvis, this is definitely something you shouldn't miss! If you like U2 then definitely visit this place to learn more about how the band helped revive this place! Hurley, our cool tour guide, made it extra special by adding his local flare to the tour. Adding bits and pieces of the past and how it has affected the present and the current community since he's a local! Overall a tour you can't miss! Enjoyable for the whole family!
Lis is simply amazing. She was our tour guide and made the time interesting with history, Q & A's and overall gave us a stroll down memory lane. So much we didnt know about this place. Highly recommend if you in Memphis.
Sun Studio was opened by Sam Phillips in early 1950 as Memphis Recording Service and played a major role in blues, R&B, and rock and roll music during the 1950s by launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Howlin' Wolf. Sam later moved Sun Studio's operations up the street to a larger space in 1959 and the building welcomed other tenants including a laundromat and a sporting goods equipment retailer. In 1987, ten years after Elvis' (purported?) death, Sun Studio was mildly restored to its former glory and reopened by Gary Hardy as a working studio, small museum gallery, and merch/coffee shop. The building is truly hallowed ground for blues, R&B, and rock and roll fans and, while visitors enter the building through the merch and coffee shop, the experience has a more authentic, grittier feel than some of the other music-focused museums in Memphis and Nashville. Tickets for the guided tour are reasonable at $20 for adults over 18; $18 for teens 12 to 18; and $15 for children under 12 as of September 2025. The guided tour lasts a little more than 45 minutes, starting in the museum on the 2nd floor displaying artifacts from the early days of Sun Studio and Sun Records - including the preserved disc jockey booth from Memphis' WHBQ-AM which was the first station to broadcast an Elvis recording on the radio and was moved from its historic spot in the lobby of the Hotel Chisca as it was being renovated in 2014. From the museum, the tour moves back down to the 1st floor into the historic and still-functioning recording studio which has hosted rock and roll royalty from Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm and the Million Dollar Quartet of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash to U2, Def Leppard, John Mellencamp, and Chris Isaak. The tour ends with an exit back through the gift shop, where you can purchase a variety of Sun Studio merch as well as vintage vinyl. Overall, the Sun Studio tour was a good experience and definitely a 'must see' if you're visiting Memphis. PRO TIP #1: Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the building. The entrance to the parking lot is BEHIND the building and the closest street address is 745 Monroe Avenue, Memphis. PRO TIP #2: Want to make your own record or just jam by yourself or your band in this historic space? You can make a reservation to rent the studio after 6pm for $200/hour with a 5-hour minimum for bands and 3-hour minimum for vocalists. Check the website for details on booking a reservation.
Cut and pasted from their website: "Sun Studio is known worldwide as "The Birthplace of Rock'n'roll." It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50's from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock'n'roll." Quality/Quantity - What a fun piece of history. We spent over an hour just hanging out and reading all that history. And yes, I am an Elvis fan. And yes, I was an Elvis impersonator once in HI. What great memories. Got here right after a bus load of tourists, see picture. So tours were booked up for the next few hours, too bad we could not wait. Atmosphere - Tiny studio, not like what they have these days. And yes, they are still an active recording studio. After all the tours were done for the day. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5:15pm. Street parking, not a problem as most people take rideshare or come by bus. So many souvenirs to buy, plus there is another gift shop next door with more souvenirs. See other review. Service - 5 stars, very welcoming. Price - $20 for adults, $18 for students, and $15 for kids. Owner Comment - Congrats on your continued success.
To be honest was not sure what to think of this museum, but after the tour...WOW!!!! The history in this studio is crazy, the music that was made totally transformed the music scene for generations. My favorite part being a former radio announcer was the equipment displayed. To be in the same building as people like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others was very humbling
4 years ago
9 years ago
I have a tendency, often wandering off waiflike through my own personal history while writing. Telling some sad tale in a desperate attempt to recapture the emotional intensity of that moment. Sun Studio has been called, and rightly so, the Birth Place of Rock and Roll. Numerous legendary artists have cut there teeth right here. I'll name a few: Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee, along with R&B greats like BB King, Junior Parker and James Cotton. You can find any amount of information on any given subject on the web, so I try to not just regurgitate the facts, and if you need directions? Used Google maps. I like smart people, and people who will and can read, which are usually one and the same. I discovered something on this recent trip. I found, despite brief periods of loneliness, I do travel better alone. I get more accomplished, and am more spontaneous (which is fun). I sleep less, eat less (though far from healthy), but drink considerably more, yet not to the point of drunkenness, as I am more cautious. I fell asleep early, with the thoughts of the next days logistics seesawing in my mind. I awoke from a particularly interesting dream in which I was looking for a coin, any coin, be it quarter, dime, nickel, or penny that was older than I am. I had never had that thought before in my waking life, and quickly rummaged through the coins setting on the desk. Satisfied that there were indeed any number of coins remaining that were still older than me, and now unable to return to my slumber, I considered a night cap, but where to go? The answer, while not simple, was Sun Studio...which is not a bar, and is not open at 12:30am. I swung by a local gas station and picked up a six of Miller High Life (my beer of choice while in the south) and preceded to Sun. Now, this ain't my first rodeo. I've been to Memphis numerous times, having grown up just three hours away. Back in my college days, if a fella happened to wanna charm a particular young lady? He might invite her for a weekend in Memphis. Stay at the Peabody, watch the ducks, eat at Rendezvous, hit up Graceland and let Elvis air up the tires, so he could ride the bike. But if, perchance, she was a true music connoisseur, then Sun was just oiling the chain...so to speak. I had planned to pull up beside Sun, pop-a-top, smoke one...and reminisce, but what I got was so much more. Music emanated from the studio attached, and as I smoked, shot video, drank, the music died. A door cracked open and out came Carlos. Now, generally, I've though he looked like a homeless dude, though well matching in gloves and a properly placed beanie. "Hey man...whatcha doin?" "Just kickin it, with a smoke an a brew and the ghosts." I smiled. He paused. I felt the fight-or-flight sensation. "Tell you what, slip me one o'them brews, an sticks, and you can come'on in." I nodded. "I'm Carlos," holding out his hand. One thing I know, when a jazz/blues/rock-n-roll man holds out his hand, you make it sing, and as or hands met? I made it pop! "Wooo," he said eyeing his gloved hand. "You mean business!" And, indeed,I do. Proust said, "Work while you still have the light." I have been a poor caretaker of my talents. Waiflike I's says. Aloha :) read more
8 years ago
An amazing tour! Short, concise and covers all the major points of what is a very significant place and time in the world's Musical and cultural history. Our guide, whose name I unfortunately do not remember, did an amazing job. She was informative, entertaining and made sure everything flowed. Because this is a historical building, the upstairs portion of the tour are not wheelchair accessible, but they made this clear in advance and my father was able to navigate the stairs with his Cane and there was a chair provided in the two areas where we stopped for the tour guide to talk. Great tour! We enjoyed it more than Graceland. They have a great gift shop as well. read more
9 years ago
6 years ago
Graham, our tour guide and also a musician, gave us a fantastic tour of the studio. He has a lot of passion for the music, and it was evident in his presentation. Loved the tour! Loved the music made in this sacred place! read more
6 years ago
Drew was the best tour guide! So much information and told with humor and awe. We were not rushed and he answered all questions after the tour. There wasn't anything he didn't know. read more
6 years ago
A must do for every music fan--and super interesting for any visitor to Memphis. We took the tour with Zach, and he was the most excited tour guide I have met in a long time. You could tell that he loved what he is doing, and we were so entertained and felt so welcome. We initially bought tickets for the late afternoon tour, but then remembered that we wanted to see the Peabody duck march at that time. The staff allowed us to exchange tickets for an earlier tour, which we greatly appreciated. Sun studios is currently limiting the number of people on each tour (to 15 I think) allowing social distancing even in the smaller rooms. Tickets can only be bought in person, and do sell out, so I would recommend going earlier in the day. If the next tour is sold out, you can buy same day tickets for later tours. Naturally the tour focuses on Elvis and Johnny Cash, but we learned so much more about the origins of blues and rock'n roll in Memphis and about the colorful characters that owned and recorded in this studio. The studio is still a working recording studio to this day! The high point of the tour was a photo opportunity with the same microphone used by so many stars. Staff wore masks and even checked everyone's temperature upon entering. They were very strict about how many people they allowed in the store at one point. We felt very safe without being lectured. You can find free parking in a small lot immediately behind the store, but you can't reach it from the front of the store, go around the block and enter from the back. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
6 years ago
Lydia knows her history. I enjoyed learning the history of Elvis' start as an unknown and how he gained his fame. To see the unrestored recording studio Elvis, Johnny Cash, and many more artists. It is still being used today for recording. They have THE actual microphone Elvis used. read more
5 years ago
9 years ago
Hands down favorite thing we did in Memphis. I think I had a new respect for Sun Studios after seeing Million Dollar Quartet on a cruise ship. Embarrassed to say I never knew the background of the studio. We came on a Saturday and it was packed. There were many tour groups this day and it was packed. We got there army and we were lucky to get the 10:30 slot. But quickly they were already out to the 12:30 slot. Our guide was fantastic. I learned some interesting facts like Johnny Cash Dollar bill trick in his guitar. I also did get chills when they played the voice recordings in the room. Also look around the room at the smiles on people's faces. There was an older gentleman in our group that you could tell it was just a dream come true for him to be there. Oh and the ONLY place to get Sun Studio t shirts. We thought their items would be pricey here but nope. Buy 3 shirts get 1 free and they are cheaper than on Beale street. read more
7 years ago
Cute little place. Nice seatingg area. Bar, snacks, munchies available. Tour Bus Heaven !!! Ready to find on the street corner, parking is decent. Lots of CD and T shirts. read more
6 years ago
Sun Records is a MUST SEE if you come to Memphis. So many famous musicians got there start here, not just Elvis. It is only $15.00 for the tour. ZACH was our tour guide and he did an OUTSTANDING job. There is so much history in this small building that changed music and the world. When you come you have to stay one Elvis (Elvis was 6 feet tall) away from other people, social distancing. read more
4 years ago
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4 years ago
7 years ago
That was really a great tour. Our guide had a native southern accent and a lot of enthusiasm for the rock 'n' roll history at this great place. read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
Absolutely a blast learning all the history and culture of the studio, had Jack leading the tour and let me say he crushed it! Totally fun and informative as well as making sure everyone got what they needed from it. Definitely recommend visiting here and seeing where rock and roll started :) read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
One of the best stops in Memphis We are so lucky this place was saved from rotting away. So many great musicians came through this place. Thank you read more
5 years ago
18 years ago
Soo ... the birthplace of Rock n Roll. If you're a hardcore Rock N Roll buff, this tour is for you. It is nice to see a piece of history, though really there isn't much to see. The tours sell out pretty fast so get there ASAP. The coolest thing would be that the recording studio room is in its original form, never changed or renovated. You start off on the second floor of the corner shop- which has no connection at all- where you'll see memorabilia (Elvis' diploma, Elvis' SS card, etc), random signed articles (BB king signed chair, etc), recording machines, outfits, etc and learn the history of Sun Studio and Rock n Roll. Then, they'll take you down to the studio where the magic happened with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, etc ... Its also where "The Million Dollar Quartet" was recorded. There are still microphones, piano, drum set, etc in. Outside the studio is the admin area where they did accounting and stuff (I think?). Malt shakes and moon pies seem to be fairly popular at the shop. Oh yes, lots of gifts to buy. Parking is pretty limited, either out front in the lot out back. read more
Any time an out-of-town guest comes to town, Sun Studio and Graceland are on the immediate to-do list. I'm not sure why I've been to Graceland a million times and never been here...but alas, such was the case. Anywho I went for the first time yesterday and I cannot recommend it enough! The entire museum is only 3 rooms but it is super cool. Even if you're not a fan of blues and rock-n-roll, the history alone will blow your mind. And I can't believe how well-preserved it is! And ummm you get to sing into a microphone used by Elvis, Johnny Cash, and all the other legends from Sun Studio...whhhhhhaaaat?! New profile pic! As a Memphian it made me extremely proud of our history and city. Loves! read more
Let me start by saying that if you have never been to Sun Studio stop reading this right now and head over for a tour right now. As soon as you step in the door you feel like you have been transported back in time. While waiting for the tour to begin we sipped on a cream soda and look at all of the great memorabilia on display. Being that it wasn't even noon yet, we opted against getting one of their signature malts or shakes, but I instantly regretted it as other members of our group began snacking on their frozen treats. The actual tour through the building was amazing. The sights and sounds of all the talented and groundbreaking musicians that past through Sun Studio is mind blowing. The icing on the cake is at the end of the tour you stand in the center of the studio and listen to a recording of impromptu jam session by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash recorded decades earlier in Sun Studio. I highly recommend anyone living in or visiting Memphis visit. read more
15 years ago
I could not leave Memphis without taking the Sun Studio tour! After our Graceland tour we drove down the street here, and got a free tour thanks to Memphis Vic. I would definitely agree with the other people that Vic is a charming nice guy that really loves this place and wants to share it with everyone that comes through here. I do not remember our tour guide's name, but he was very enthusiastic and genuinely loved sharing the Sun Studio story with everyone. He was very knowledge and so excited to talk about all of the artists and songs that have been recorded here. They have original recordings and videos for you to see on this tour, which are super neat! $12 is not expensive for this tour at all, especially if you are a music lover and appreciate the sound of these historic recordings. It was so neat to hear original recordings in the rooms they were actually recorded in, from some of our rock n' roll legends! There are so many awesome pictures and instruments of the artists that come through here. The studio is very modest and pretty much in it's original condition, which all of the tour guides and employees are very proud of. They also have some cool old skool microphones for everyone to have fun and capture their perfect photo, lol. This tour is a must for any rock n' roll fan, you will definitely enjoy it. They don't just focus on Elvis, in case anyone is thinking that. They give credit to all the great legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, just to name a few. I just read they have good milkshakes here in other reviews! Oh well, I missed out, but one day I'll be back and be sure to try one. This place is definitely neat and special to everyone that works here, be sure to check it out if you're ever passing through Memphis. read more
12 years ago
ROCK AND ROLL! I know it sounds sorta "kitschy", but if you're in Memphis, pop into the small, 3-room Sun Studios. No spoilers here - But, if you have a little time, take the tour - it's about 90 minutes and is probably the best use of 90 minutes and $12 that you will ever have the opportunity to spend. Very educated tour guides will take you through the history of rock and roll and blues recorded here and you will leave feeling enlightened. BEST PART? You get to sing into the microphone used to record some of your all time ELVIS faves! read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
Sun Studio was buzzing, full of life and energy and seemed to be a great place to just hang out and maybe buy some vinyl. We visited Sun Studio while on holiday from Scotland and took a tour of the studio with an amazing tour guide who was passionate, very bubbly and very pregnant. It was well worth it and you could feel the presence of greatness and creativity surround you, very inspirational. I really enjoyed it. read more
11 years ago
4 years ago
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How much time would you spend here?
About an hour. Do the tour. For me I recommend heading out to Graceland and stopping at Sun Studio on the way back downtown.
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