BackinMemphis

The legendary Sam Phillips would have been 88 today. Memphis and especially Elvis events are just not the same without the charismatic Sam Phillips. He is greatly missed by many. Samuel Cornelius Phillips (January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003), better known as Sam Phillips, was an American record producer who played an important role in the emergence of rock and roll as the major form of popular music in the 1950s. He was a producer, label owner, and talent scout throughout the '40s and '50s. He is most notably attributed with the discoveries of Howlin' Wolf, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and is associated with several other noteworthy rhythm and blues and rock and roll stars of the period.

One year ago, we lost the legendary WIllie Mitchell (March 1, 1928 – January 5, 2010) was an American soul, R&B, rock and roll, pop and funk record producer and arranger, who ran Royal Recording in Memphis, Tennessee. He was best known for his Hi Records label of the 1970s, which released albums by a large stable of popular Memphis soul artists, including Mitchell himself, Al Green, Syl Johnson and Ann Peebles. Willie knew Elvis. In Fact, Elvis hired him to perform at some of his new year's eve parties.Two summers ago, I had the unique opportunity to have a private tour of Royal Studio with Willie's sons, Archie and Boo. Willie was in the hospital and I never had the chance to meet him. But here are some of the photos from my visit. A special Thank You to the Mitchell family for their hospitality. We lost a Memphis legend!

Please keep our dear sweet Gordon Stoker in your thoughts and prayers. He is home recovering from double pnuemonia again. Gordon is doing well but unable to attend the Elvis Birthday Celebration. Let's pray for Gordon to get his strenghth back very quickly and that 2011 is his best year yet!