*The Legends of Sun Exhibit Opens to Public on August 15th*
It’s the dawn of a new exhibition at The Johnny Cash Museum with the unveiling of The Legends of Sun Records collection on August 15th. This exhibit marks the first addition to the world renowned Johnny Cash Museum and is sure to be the first of many for the JCM. The Legends of Sun Records exhibit will feature artifacts that spotlight Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and drummer W.S. Holland.
“Johnny Cash began his musical career at Sun Records,” says Founder Bill Miller. “Sun was the launch pad for several young men whose music would forever impact the world. Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny came from similar backgrounds and humble beginnings. Once they walked through the door at the Memphis Recording Service, their lives would never be the same. We are proud to showcase Johnny’s labelmates from this historic period in rock and roll history.”
The founders of the museum aren’t the only ones both excited and honored to be a part of the exhibit. See additional comments below.
“Elvis had great respect for Johnny Cash, and a wonderful friendship. He was very proud to share the same Sun Studio roots in Memphis with Johnny, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. I’m pleased that the Johnny Cash Museum is celebrating the achievements of these five legendary performers, and I know that Elvis would have been tremendously honored to be included in this exhibit.”
—Priscilla Presley
“We are thrilled these cherished belongings of our father Roy Orbison can be part of Johnny Cash’s wonderful museum here in Nashville. The Cash’s are ‘family.’ Johnny and June Carter were godfather and godmother to each of us three Orbison boys and literally our next door neighbors in Hendersonville. What a beautiful and fitting home for these special pieces of Dad’s past!”
—Roy Jr, Wesley and Alex Orbison
“Johnny and I started at Sun Records over 50 years ago and worked together for decades. We were good friends and I’m proud to be involved in The Legends of Sun Records exhibit at the Johnny Cash Museum.”
–Jerry Lee Lewis
“Johnny Cash and Dad were like brothers. They had a mutual respect and love for each other that went beyond friendship. They will always be bonded together, not only for their great musical legacy at Sun Records, but for their kindred spirit for one another. Our family is proud to have them reunited at the Johnny Cash Museum.”
–Stan Perkins
“The drums that are currently on display in the Johnny Cash Museum are the same set that recorded ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and the Million Dollar Quartet. They were also the first ever full drum set to play the Grand Ole Opry. At Sun Records, it wasn’t something that we thought would make history. It just happened. We never thought anyone would even know about it after a couple years. Those days seem like a dream, but they also seemed like they just happened a few weeks ago. Nothing was ever planned for me. I think that’s why they call me ‘Fluke.’
–W.S. Holland
