Drama
Set in Memphis during the tumultuous early days of the civil rights movement, Sun Records tells the untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner, and changed the course of music forever. The series chronicles the young artists’ often jarring and sudden meteoric rise to fame in the face of sweeping political change and social unrest.
Colonel Tom Parker presses to take over Elvis' career, but Sam struggles with the decision to let his star go. Meanwhile, Jerry Lee's philandering catches up with him; and Johnny starts his own band.
Elvis gets his first taste of fame when he starts playing live shows; Colonel Tom Parker scams his way out of debt and eyes an opportunity with Elvis; Johnny returns from overseas to begin his life with Vivian.
Sam and Marion take Elvis on the road to promote "Blue Moon"; Colonel Tom Parker pays a heavy price for his gambling; Jerry Lee tries to stay on the straight and narrow in his new married life.
Sam finds another hit with Johnny Bragg and the Prisonaires; Becky makes a surprising announcement; Elvis enlists Sam to help him record a song for his mother; Johnny takes his relationship with Vivian to the next phase.
Sam's worsening anxiety attacks lead to a radical new medical procedure; Elvis tries to win Trixie back; Johnny Cash, who is overseas, makes a decision that affects his girlfriend back home.
Sam can’t find the follow-up hit to Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88.” Colonel Tom Parker’s conniving ways are exposed. Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart have their eye on the same girl.
Sam records B.B. King, but his new label struggles. Elvis is inspired by African-American music, but is chastised by his family and girlfriend for crossing racial lines. We meet cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.
Sam Phillips moves his family to Memphis to open a recording studio to look for his first hit musical act, but instead rekindles a steamy affair. Young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash struggle at home.
