Sight guide · Memphis · United States
Visiting Sun Studio
In this small studio on Union Avenue, Sam Phillips recorded 'Rocket 88' in 1951, Elvis Presley's first single in 1954 and the famous 'Million Dollar Quartet' session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in 1956.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Sun Studio is a historic site in Union Avenue, Memphis. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Union Avenue
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history and rainy day
- Best months
- January–March
About Sun Studio
In this small studio on Union Avenue, Sam Phillips recorded 'Rocket 88' in 1951, Elvis Presley's first single in 1954 and the famous 'Million Dollar Quartet' session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in 1956. Guided tours end in the original recording room, which still operates as a studio.
Tip: Stand on the marked spot where Elvis recorded and hold the microphone; the guides tell stories that bring the room to life.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Union Avenue.
Best time to visit Sun Studio
Sun Studio is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- February: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very quiet crowds.
- January: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Memphis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Memphis itinerary visits Sun Studio on day 2, together with Stax Museum of American Soul Music, The Peabody Ducks and Overton Park and the Levitt Shell.
- No. 4 of the 18 sights in our Memphis things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Memphis.
If you like Sun Studio
- Graceland — Whitehaven, Half a day
- National Civil Rights Museum — South Main Arts District, 3 hours
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music — Soulsville, 2 hours
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum — Downtown and Beale Street, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Sun Studio
Where to stay in Memphis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Sun Studio?
Plan 1 hour.
+Is Sun Studio free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Sun Studio?
January–March, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Stand on the marked spot where Elvis recorded and hold the microphone; the guides tell stories that bring the room to life.
+Do I need to book Sun Studio in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.