1. b. 1935 in Ferriday, Louisiana influenced by country, gospel and blues traveled to Memphis in ‘56 to audition for Sun boogie woogie piano & unbridled vocals, wild performer 1957 breakout year: “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Breathless,” “High School Confidential” Inducted 1986

2. Sam Phillips 1923-2003 Inducted 1986 Memphis, TN 1952: Sun Records is formed; Phillips recorded over 226 singles in 16 years January 1950: opened the Memphis Recording Service

3. SW corner of TN bordering Mississippi, Arkansas major slave market on Mississippi River; one of world’s largest cotton markets center of blues, beginning in 1920s; center for electric blues and R&B after WWII white country musicians drawn to black music guitar-driven, strong gospel roots

4. Recorded February 1957, released April 1957 #3 on pop chart; #1 on R&B chart

5. B.B. King Inducted 1987 Howlin’ Wolf Inducted 1991 Rufus Thomas Jerry Lee Lewis Inducted 1986 Johnny Cash Inducted 1992 Carl Perkins Inducted 1987 Elvis Presley Inducted 1986 Roy Orbison Inducted 1987