Rock 'n' Roll Turns 50
Today was one of those sizzlin' hot days that Memphis is known for. It was also sizzlin' hot at Sun Studio where noted Memphis musicians Justin Timberlake, Isaac Hayes, Sam "the Sham" Samudio, Elvis bandmates Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana and others celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Rock 'n Roll.
The all-day celebration kicked off at 11 a.m. when Moore hit a button inside Sun to start a simultaneous global playing of "That's All Right," the song Elvis recorded 50 years ago today. It supposedly set a world-record for the largest playing of a song at the same moment.
Hundreds of music fans turned out for the event and for a chance to see Moore (one of Rolling Stone's 50 top guitarists in history) and Fontana (drummer) on stage again. Elvis sing-alike Ronnie McDowell sang "That's All Right" and several other of the King's songs with this reunion band.
Sam the Sham took the stage next and entertained the crowd with his over-the-top chatter and '60s hit, "Wooly Bully."
The 90-degree heat soon sent me back indoors for AC, but it was great to experience this "global moment in time" with these music legends.
Others I noticed at the celebration were Billy "I Can Help" Swan, Stan Perkins (Carl's son), Jerry Phillips (Sam's son), Bill Black's family and NASCAR driver Bill Elliott, who will drive the No. 9 Elvis Presley "He Dared to Rock" Dodge at the Sam's Town "He Dared to Rock" 250 benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Oct. 23 at Memphis Motorsports Park.
Did any of you attend the celebration? If so, I'd love to get your thoughts on the event.
posted by Darrin Devault at 11:21 PM
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