SAM PHILLIPS

1987 Inductee
Lifework Award for Non-Performing Achievement

	One of the most versatile innovators in the field of
entertainment, Sam Phillips changed the face of popular music in
the late 40s and 50s when he brought together the diverse
elements that created rock and roll.

	A native of Florence, Al., Phillips was the developer of
talents such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny
Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich.

	Beginning with a Shoals radio station, Phillips eventually
became an engineer with a Memphis Station which broadcast big
band music from the famed Peabody Hotel.

	As a sideline he formed Memphis Recording Service recording
artists such as B.B. King, Ike Turner, Bobby "Blue" Bland,
Howlin' Wolf, Walter Horton, Rufus Thomas, James Cotton and cut
what is considered to be the first Rock and Roll song "Rocket
88".

	After producing ten songs on Elvis, Phillips sold his contract
to RCA records for $35,000 and $5,000 of royalties he owed
Presley. He then used those funds to expand his famed Sun
Records label.

	Although retired from recording, Phillips maintained interests
in several radio stations, and was responsible for many
innovations in that field.

   Rock and Roll lost its founding father on July 30, 2003.  Sam
Phillips died at Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  He was
80 years old.

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