What do you think?
Rate this book
Good Rockin' Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'N' Roll
Memphis, Tennessee. The early 1950s. The Mississippi rolls by, and there's a train in the night. Down on Beale Street there's hard-edged blues, on the outskirts of town they're pickin' hillbilly boogie.
At Sam Phillips' Sun Records studio on Union Avenue, there's something different going on. "Shake it, baby, shake it!" "Go, cat, go!" "We're gonna rock..."
This is where rock 'n' roll was born-the record company that launched Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins. The label that brought the world, "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Breathless," "I Walk the Line," "Mystery Train," "Baby, Let's Play House,' "Good Rockin' Tonight." Good Rockin Tonight is the history, in words and over 240 photographs, of Sam Phillips' legendary storefront studio, from the early days with primal blues artists like Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King to the long nights in the studio with Elvis and Jerry Lee. As colorful and energetic as the music itself, it's a one-of-a-kind book for anyone who wants to know where it all started.
At Sam Phillips' Sun Records studio on Union Avenue, there's something different going on. "Shake it, baby, shake it!" "Go, cat, go!" "We're gonna rock..."
This is where rock 'n' roll was born-the record company that launched Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins. The label that brought the world, "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Breathless," "I Walk the Line," "Mystery Train," "Baby, Let's Play House,' "Good Rockin' Tonight." Good Rockin Tonight is the history, in words and over 240 photographs, of Sam Phillips' legendary storefront studio, from the early days with primal blues artists like Howlin' Wolf and B.B. King to the long nights in the studio with Elvis and Jerry Lee. As colorful and energetic as the music itself, it's a one-of-a-kind book for anyone who wants to know where it all started.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1991
35 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Colin Escott
29 books22 followersColin Escott is the foremost authority on Sun Records. He first wrote the company’s history in 1975 and has revised and expanded it several times since. He has published several other volumes on the early days of country music, including a biography of Hank Williams and The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon. He won a Grammy for his work on Mercury Records’ The Complete Hank Williams, and in 2010 received a Tony nomination for Million Dollar Quartet, a Broadway musical about the legendary one-night jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 22, 2011
When I received the galley for the revised edition of Good Rockin' Tonight, my knowledge of Sun Records was minimal - I knew basically that it existed. I had known some of the legends of early rock and roll cut records with the label - Elvis, Jerry Lee, Roy - but I hadn't realized the richness of the label's history before now. While reading this book, what grabbed me the most was the sheer amount of minor record labels active in the 50's and 60's, and the preference of cutting singles as opposed to whole albums since one was likely to find more profit - a practice one sees now with iTunes, where one can buy individual songs.
I can remember, as a child, sifting through stacks of 45 RPM discs my parents had collected over the years. There may have been a Sun or two in the mix, but I recall quite a variety - Dot, Decca, Buddha, Stax...the music business doesn't appear that different from publishing, particularly in this time of transition. It is interesting to note how some labels operated to serve a specific market (in Sun's case, the South - perfecting what became known as the "Memphis Sound") and gain a following before broadening their reach. This makes sense when you think about it - popular music variety shows like American Bandstand and the Grand Ole Opry had roots in localized followings before expanding. Rockin' touches on the Sun Records connection to these national outlets, in particular with their more prominent artists.
When the original Sun studio opened, it had originally served as a place for musicians and organizations to make use of the equipment until it was realized that money could be made representing and distributing artists. Rockin' goes on to break down, chapter by chapter, the many relationships Sun and Phillips enjoyed with various artists and architects of R&B, rockabilly, and early rock and roll. The Sun histories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison - some of them so brief - are recorded with academic detail and very little gossip. Though it's not revealed directly, as you run down the list of songs recorded and released by Sun you realize the butterfly effect Phillips had on rock and roll - one can argue that if not for the Sun discs making the rounds in the UK, where American artists of this period were quite popular, The Beatles may not have come into existence (indeed, check the Fabs' earlier albums for their covers of some of Perkins' Sun songs.).
Probably the juiciest tabloid-esque bits one can expect to find are Lewis's exploits, mainly because they resulted in nearly damaging his career while with Sun. Given the same amount of play here, though on the radio it was a different story, are the careers of second and third-tier artists like Charlie Rich, Malcolm Yelvington, Warren Smith, Billy Riley. You might not know the names, but perhaps if you had parents like mine who held a wealth of records you may recognize the music - a thorough appendix of Sun recordings at the end of the book provides the information you need to educate yourself.
A friend who has also read and enjoyed this book noted his amazement that Phillips not only had so much talent in his stable, but seemed to willingly let it go. The passages on Johnny Cash support this - one reads this entire book and wonders how a man of such innovation, who once had the organization so many others imitated, didn't seem perceptive enough to know he should hang on to the likes of Presley and Cash. Would Sun have survived the changing landscape of music in the 1960s if Phillips had been more aggressive in keeping certain artists? We can only guess at what might have been, but we do know the legacy left by one of the more influential independent labels in music history, and thanks to this book we know so much more.
(ARC received by NetGalley)
I can remember, as a child, sifting through stacks of 45 RPM discs my parents had collected over the years. There may have been a Sun or two in the mix, but I recall quite a variety - Dot, Decca, Buddha, Stax...the music business doesn't appear that different from publishing, particularly in this time of transition. It is interesting to note how some labels operated to serve a specific market (in Sun's case, the South - perfecting what became known as the "Memphis Sound") and gain a following before broadening their reach. This makes sense when you think about it - popular music variety shows like American Bandstand and the Grand Ole Opry had roots in localized followings before expanding. Rockin' touches on the Sun Records connection to these national outlets, in particular with their more prominent artists.
When the original Sun studio opened, it had originally served as a place for musicians and organizations to make use of the equipment until it was realized that money could be made representing and distributing artists. Rockin' goes on to break down, chapter by chapter, the many relationships Sun and Phillips enjoyed with various artists and architects of R&B, rockabilly, and early rock and roll. The Sun histories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison - some of them so brief - are recorded with academic detail and very little gossip. Though it's not revealed directly, as you run down the list of songs recorded and released by Sun you realize the butterfly effect Phillips had on rock and roll - one can argue that if not for the Sun discs making the rounds in the UK, where American artists of this period were quite popular, The Beatles may not have come into existence (indeed, check the Fabs' earlier albums for their covers of some of Perkins' Sun songs.).
Probably the juiciest tabloid-esque bits one can expect to find are Lewis's exploits, mainly because they resulted in nearly damaging his career while with Sun. Given the same amount of play here, though on the radio it was a different story, are the careers of second and third-tier artists like Charlie Rich, Malcolm Yelvington, Warren Smith, Billy Riley. You might not know the names, but perhaps if you had parents like mine who held a wealth of records you may recognize the music - a thorough appendix of Sun recordings at the end of the book provides the information you need to educate yourself.
A friend who has also read and enjoyed this book noted his amazement that Phillips not only had so much talent in his stable, but seemed to willingly let it go. The passages on Johnny Cash support this - one reads this entire book and wonders how a man of such innovation, who once had the organization so many others imitated, didn't seem perceptive enough to know he should hang on to the likes of Presley and Cash. Would Sun have survived the changing landscape of music in the 1960s if Phillips had been more aggressive in keeping certain artists? We can only guess at what might have been, but we do know the legacy left by one of the more influential independent labels in music history, and thanks to this book we know so much more.
(ARC received by NetGalley)
September 14, 2016
Everything and more that you’ve ever wanted to know about Sun Records is covered in this book. If this were a film it would be classified under “documentary.” It appears no sound screen, tape machine or desk drawer was left untapped, un-listened to or unopened to give this account of the legendary recording studio that deserves its reputation as one of the birth places of rock and roll.
*
Owner Sam Phillips didn’t start out with that goal in mind. Sun Records was originally founded on the idea of recording the blues and country music that wasn’t deemed marketable by larger labels. That is the beginning of the story, but as music fans already know the “real” story took off when a young Elvis Presley wandered into the store front of the small studio in Memphis and ended up setting the music world on fire. But it wasn’t Elvis alone. It was Phillips, the musicians, the setting, a feeling and inventive recording techniques that gave Elvis and Sun a sound that separated it from the competition.
*
What’s impressive is the enormous amount of research by the authors in detailing the recording sessions, musicians and record releases from the beginning to the end of Sun Records. It’s hard to believe anyone that ever walked through the front door wasn’t mentioned in this book. Of course the members of The Million Dollar Quartet, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis are the highlights. The account of their one-time, spur of the moment gathering in the studio with Phillips thankfully hitting “record” as they joined voices inspired the hit Broadway musical.
*
For diehard fans of early rock and roll, country and blues, this is a must read. Even if you already think you know the story of Sun Records, what you’ll learn will have your brain swimming in new information. But the novice fan might feel overwhelmed for the same reason. Along with The Million Dollar Quartet, Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich, each significant Sun artist is given his equal turn in the spotlight. This includes background details from birth and family, to music influences, performances, tours, past and future recording sessions and record releases, and finally how their careers continued or ended. Their complete Sun recordings are catalogued at the end of each chapter.
*
One final note: this is not a fast read. Being more of a “documentary” than a story based on facts, the details are a lot to take in. As a library reader for this one, I had to renew the book to finish, which is something I rarely do. But the extra time was worth it for an “informational read” rather than a simple joyride with The Million Dollar Quartet through Sun Records.
*
Owner Sam Phillips didn’t start out with that goal in mind. Sun Records was originally founded on the idea of recording the blues and country music that wasn’t deemed marketable by larger labels. That is the beginning of the story, but as music fans already know the “real” story took off when a young Elvis Presley wandered into the store front of the small studio in Memphis and ended up setting the music world on fire. But it wasn’t Elvis alone. It was Phillips, the musicians, the setting, a feeling and inventive recording techniques that gave Elvis and Sun a sound that separated it from the competition.
*
What’s impressive is the enormous amount of research by the authors in detailing the recording sessions, musicians and record releases from the beginning to the end of Sun Records. It’s hard to believe anyone that ever walked through the front door wasn’t mentioned in this book. Of course the members of The Million Dollar Quartet, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis are the highlights. The account of their one-time, spur of the moment gathering in the studio with Phillips thankfully hitting “record” as they joined voices inspired the hit Broadway musical.
*
For diehard fans of early rock and roll, country and blues, this is a must read. Even if you already think you know the story of Sun Records, what you’ll learn will have your brain swimming in new information. But the novice fan might feel overwhelmed for the same reason. Along with The Million Dollar Quartet, Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich, each significant Sun artist is given his equal turn in the spotlight. This includes background details from birth and family, to music influences, performances, tours, past and future recording sessions and record releases, and finally how their careers continued or ended. Their complete Sun recordings are catalogued at the end of each chapter.
*
One final note: this is not a fast read. Being more of a “documentary” than a story based on facts, the details are a lot to take in. As a library reader for this one, I had to renew the book to finish, which is something I rarely do. But the extra time was worth it for an “informational read” rather than a simple joyride with The Million Dollar Quartet through Sun Records.
September 1, 2017
Good Rockin' Tonight, which takes its name from one of the most seminal rock-n-roll records, is an intimate look at the ups and downs of Sun Records and founder Sam Phillips.
While it's true that rock-n-roll found its beginnings in the Memphis studio, the same risk-taking that made Phillips pay attention to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash (whose contracts were sold to keep the studio afloat) meant that he recorded some real stinkers and lost money in the process.
Still, there are chapters about the big names from Sun, including Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison, as well as lesser-known players like Bill Justis and Little Walter. Furthermore, we get a look into Phillips' techniques as the very first record producer (previously, people just recorded acts rather than looking at how the room or the use of unusual methods like a sheet of paper between the guitar strings might make the record more interesting).
Highly recommended for music lovers.
While it's true that rock-n-roll found its beginnings in the Memphis studio, the same risk-taking that made Phillips pay attention to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash (whose contracts were sold to keep the studio afloat) meant that he recorded some real stinkers and lost money in the process.
Still, there are chapters about the big names from Sun, including Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison, as well as lesser-known players like Bill Justis and Little Walter. Furthermore, we get a look into Phillips' techniques as the very first record producer (previously, people just recorded acts rather than looking at how the room or the use of unusual methods like a sheet of paper between the guitar strings might make the record more interesting).
Highly recommended for music lovers.
January 9, 2020
An absolute gem of music history and Americana, it has the feel of an oral history while at the same time packed with facts. The text is accompanied by dozens of pictures, which just adds to the fun. Even if you have read lots about Elvis or Johnny Cash (whose bios linger long over the Sun Records operation), there are dozens of personalities who get their due in this book, personalities normally overlooked in other histories of the era.
November 23, 2017
Very interesting how these rockers got their start and how the technology was so basic back then. The book got better when I began googling the songs as I went! The early recordings of Elvis, Roy Orbison, johnny cash, and Carl Perkins were great! Really liked the 'other guys' who didn't make it - but sounded just the same as Elvis in some cases.
July 28, 2023
This was a very informative book about Sun studio and Sam Phillips. He discovered Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Charlie Rich. It tells the history of the label with many anecdotes and stories. Lots of photos included.
May 18, 2018
Good history and pretty comprehensive, but a lot of it reads like a text book and doesn’t draw you in.
March 1, 2023
Honestly. Sam had not Discovered future legendary musicians. Like Elvis, Cash, Jerry Lewis, and Roy Orbison. Sun Record would have folded.
December 13, 2023
The definitive book on Sun Records everything you need to know is in these pages highly recommended if you can find a copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
Excellent history of Sun and Phillips records.
December 21, 2015
the revelation that a guy named Sam Phillips once upon a time had a label called Sun Records has spawned multiple books in the past year or two ... this one is mostly about the stable of unknown musicians (many soon to be famous), who quite literally walked in off the streets and into Sam's humble recording studio (a term that should be used loosely), Elvis, Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cash, Carl Perkins, etc. ... their nothing-to-something journeys can be interesting, but the overall takeaway is flat and somewhat lifeless ... to his credit, Phillips is a pioneer and deserves serious credit for: his ear for unique music, his confident trek into and near-invention of the independent record label; his hands-off approach to recording - allowing the authentic sounds to seep through and his technical skills and overall honesty in a time of low- or no-tech and exploited musicians ... well played Sam
September 10, 2009
Have you heard the news? Sun was the first powerhouse independent record label of Rock & Roll music. It’s catalogue, performed by rough-edged musicians who turned out consistently innovative material (even a Top Ten hit here and there), has been exhaustively reissued, much to the delight of Sun connoisseurs. Sadly, the same can’t be said of material written about Sun: most of the books (several also written by Escott and Hawkins, who have contributed impeccably researched liner notes to many Sun reissue packages) are now out of print. Good Rockin’ Tonight stands alone as the most comprehensive work dedicated to Sam Phillips and the record label whose influence on popular culture deserves much more.
October 25, 2007
Fascinating history of Sun Records. It goes beyond Elvis, and into the psyche of Sam Philips, the owner, the brains, and soul of Sun Records. It seems like everyone involved with Sun was either brilliant, crazy, insane, or just had that genius 'it' quality.
As I mentioned before, I see record labels being very similar to Publishing houses. In fact I don't see the difference whatsoever. But what I do know if there was no Sun Records, we would be living in a totally different culture. So thank you Sam!
As I mentioned before, I see record labels being very similar to Publishing houses. In fact I don't see the difference whatsoever. But what I do know if there was no Sun Records, we would be living in a totally different culture. So thank you Sam!
September 25, 2014
Truly a fun and exciting journey into the past. The birth of rock and roll was a major point in history, and Sam Phillips and his SUN Records was a huge part of that birth, with the recording of early sides by Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and more. It's a remarkable story of a man who had the vision and wouldn't let anything, or anyone, sway him from his path to destiny.
August 12, 2014
An excellent overview of the most influential record label of all time. It recounted the same things I had heard before in a fresh way, but I was mostly happy about the fact that I got to learn a lot more about the minor players than I knew before. The blues artists who came before Elvis, and all the Elvis wannabes who came in his wake. Fascinating material.
June 22, 2016
I actually bought it at Sun studios on vacation a couple years back and hadn't gotten around to reading it until last summer. Pretty quick read and a very good overview of, not only the operation and the hazards of the business, but the music scene in Memphis in general.
May 1, 2014
Lots of good information here. Tells the story of Sun and Sam Phillips, mostly through extensive profiles of some of the more important musicians he recorded. Very interesting, if slightly repetitive.
January 6, 2022
One of the most detailed accounts I have read of the birth of rockabilly and then rock and roll at Sun Studios in Memphis. The number of artists covered is remarkable, from the famous to the obscure. If Rock and Roll history is your thing, this is your bible.
August 17, 2007
An excellent little overview of the legendary Sun Records studio that also sheds light on some of its more obscure, earlier artists.
January 7, 2012
Lots of info for the Sun novice. At times a little overboard. I recommend tracking down the song lists at the end of each chapter to hear the progression of the Sun sound.
April 21, 2012
Good book on the studio that brought us many singers that are now household names. Should be read by those interested in Rock N Roll history
July 2, 2014
A deep dive into the practical philosophy of the great music producer. Some dry spots, but overall a special book.
June 16, 2015
This was a great history of Sun Records. Lots of great stories not generally well known about the artists and the songs.
October 28, 2015
A fascinating history of Sun Records, as shown through its artists.
November 29, 2015
Every new book that comes out about Sun Records seems to top the last one as more and more sources appear and we really understand how it revolutionized early Rock 'n' Roll.
Want to read
July 18, 2014Tennessee
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews