Sun Studio

706 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103

Hours

Open daily 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. (last tour at 4:30)

New Year's Day: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. (first tour at 12:30)

Cost

Below are the costs of visiting Sun Studio:

General admission: $20
Youth (12-18) $18
Children (5-11 with adult admission) $15
Student, military, and senior discounts are available upon inquiry.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

(901) 521-0664

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About

The legendary Sun Studio is one of Memphis’ essential must-stop destinations. Easy to identify with an immense iconic Gibson Les Paul overhead, people know this spot worldwide as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. What’s more, it is still a working recording studio with an on-site café.

Sam Phillips founded Sun Studio in 1950. The studio quickly kicked open doors for iconic 50s musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Jerry Lee Lewis, among many others.

After Phillips launched the Memphis Recording Service, aka Sun Studio, in January of 1950, it was his long-time friend and assistant Marion Keisker who opened the studio’s doors to a young Elvis Presley in 1953. As a teen, Elvis had come to record some songs for his mom and Keisker was taken by his voice.

A year later, on July 5, 1954, Elvis stepped into Sun Studio with Bill Black, upright bass player, and guitar player Scotty Moore to record a version of “That’s Alright” for release. From that day, the music world has never been the same.

The studio is located at the corner of Union and Marshall, marked with an honorary Sam Phillips Ave. sign right on the corner. It is just a short drive east of downtown, making it easy to combine a musical adventure with the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum or the Blues Hall of Fame. After seeing where Elvis first recorded, top off the journey with a visit to Elvis’ Graceland.

Sun Studio is a must-see for anyone interested in Memphis’ impact on music and culture worldwide. In addition, studio tours provide a more personal and genuine experience than larger museums.

Sun Studio: Fun Facts & Cool Features

If walls could talk, or sing, those at Sun Studio would burst into song. Here, legends of the music industry recorded blues, gospel, country, and rock records. The studio’s goal today is to spread the story of Memphis’ history and culture through the music that put Memphis on the map.

One of the coolest features at Sun Studio is the original recording equipment still on display. Walking through the studio, visitors can see the very spot Elvis stood to record his first song.

There is also a large collection of memorabilia hanging on the walls inside and outside the studio. This includes posters of the studio’s legendary artists on the exterior of the building. Nostalgic photographs and posters are also posted throughout the café and shop. Speaking of memorable collections, add a stop at the nearby Edge Motor Museum to your day.

Daily tours run on the hour and half-hour, providing a fascinating insider's look into the background of music in Memphis. Interactive features throughout ensure a rockin’ good time!

Another fascinating fact is that Sun Studio continues to operate as a recording studio at night. As soon as daytime operations close down and tours wrap up, the studio opens for recording in the very same studio as the iconic legends.

After your visit, consider dining at Flight Restaurant & Bar, an upscale spot known for its creative take on dishes like flights of steak or wine. Located just minutes from the studio, it’s a great way to unwind and reflect on your trip through Memphis music history.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Memphis to Sun Studio:

Head southeast on Union Avenue from downtown Memphis.
Continue for about one mile, passing by landmarks like the Peabody Hotel and AutoZone Park.
Address: 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.

Local Tips

The gift shop is small, so check it out before tours get crowded.
Drinks, children under 5, flash photography, or filming are allowed on a tour.
Parking is limited but free for Sun Studio visitors. A small parking lot is behind the studio.
Wear comfortable shoes; the tour involves standing for extended periods.
Arrive early to avoid long lines, as tours fill up quickly.

Location

706 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best place for BBQ in Memphis?

Just as music is part of Memphis’ royal legacy, BBQ is also king in the “Bluff City.” Determining the best place to eat BBQ in Memphis is a question of where you are and where’s the closest pork shoulder. If visiting in May, you can also kick it up a notch at the World Barbeque Championship Cooking Contest.

Your tastebuds will not be disappointed with the traditional pork BBQ in Memphis cooked over a low, slow fire. With so many to choose from, some of the top BBQ spots in Memphis include the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, and the renowned Central BBQ. Check the Memphis BBQ Trail map for a full plate of delicious discovery.

What are the biggest main events in Memphis?

Memphis is home to several fantastic events that celebrate the area’s culture, music, and food. The biggest main events include:

Memphis in May – RiverBeat Music Festival (May) – This music festival features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres, all on the iconic Mississippi riverfront of Tom Lee Park.
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May) – Another major event during Memphis in May, it’s a celebration of the city’s love for barbecue, with pitmasters from around the world competing for top honors.
Cooper-Young Festival (September) – The trendy Cooper-Young neighborhood transforms into an all-out festival with live music, food vendors, maker booths and more.
Mempho Music Festival (October) – One of the city’s biggest music events, Mempho is three days of national touring acts and local superstars on stage at Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden.
RiverArts Fest (October) – Make your way Downtown for this annual arts festival where nearly 200 artists from around the U.S. will be showcasing their works along the riverside.

Where can I hear live music?

When you’re looking for live music in Memphis, the home of rock ‘n roll and a breadth of blues up from the Mississippi Delta, well you can follow the beat to just about anywhere.
Be sure to check live music venues up and down the popular Beale Street in Downtown Memphis. This is home to the likes of B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe, not to mention theatres and the Beale Street Entertainment District.
Midtown Memphis, east of downtown about 3 miles, is another go to destination for music venues, eclectic bars, walkable streets, and vibrant entertainment. The Cooper-Young neighborhood in Midtown has been named among the top 5 ‘coolest’ in the nation and is inviting for anyone looking for an authentic Memphis experience.
What would a trip to Memphis for music look like without a stop at Graceland? Check their Events calendar to see whose coming to the Graceland Soundstage.

What are the must-see attractions in Memphis?

Memphis is full of rich history and unique attractions. Here are some of the top points of interest:

Beale Street – Known for its vibrant nightlife and live music, Beale Street is the heart of Memphis’ legendary music scene, especially for blues and jazz lovers.
Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a must-see for fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and anyone interested in music history.
National Civil Rights Museum – A powerful museum built around the former Lorraine Motel, offers a deep and moving look into the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
Sun Studio – Often called the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, this historic recording studio is where artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their marks.
Memphis Zoo – A family-friendly attraction with over 3,500 animals from around the world, it’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Outdoor lovers should check out Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering hiking, biking, and paddleboarding on the lake.