sun studio tour review

Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gayle

Also popular with travellers

sun studio tour review

Sun Studio - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

  • Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission (From AU$114.79)
  • Memphis Mojo Bus Tour (From AU$58.79)
  • Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options (From AU$68.87)
  • Nashville to Memphis Daytrip with Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission (From AU$503.32)
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour (From AU$244.88)
  • (0.06 km) Suburban Lodges of America
  • (0.59 km) The James Lee House
  • (0.29 km) 3300 SF 4BR/3Bth Pet-Friendly Loft 2 blks from Sun Studio has HUGE Rooftop Deck
  • (0.81 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown
  • (0.39 km) 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath Memphis Condo - Prime Downtown Location!
  • (0.08 km) Domino's Pizza
  • (0.20 km) Slim And Husky's Pizza Beeria
  • (0.51 km) Sunrise Memphis
  • (0.34 km) Evelyn and Olive
  • (1.52 km) Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Hours updated 1 month ago

Photo of Sun Studio - Memphis, TN, US. The vocal mic used by Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash

Services Offered

Verified by Business

Recording and rehearsal studios

Review Highlights

sun-studio-memphis photo exeMUhaQqBq0tFVq6A7kgw

“ It's worth it just to be able to hold the same microphone that Elvis and so many legends have recorded with. ” in 154 reviews

Gavin C.

“ I did the VIP tour of Graceland and we had a not so knowledgeable guide who didn't really know the history. ” in 63 reviews

sun-studio-memphis photo kgCByvnviaifOqgqF6sV6g

“ . The tour guide, Lahn a, was so spunky, she definitely broke the ice and helped us get into the groove ” in 12 reviews

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Location & Hours

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Map

706 Union Ave

Memphis, TN 38103

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How much time would you spend here?

About an hour. Do the tour. For me I recommend heading out to Graceland and stopping at Sun Studio on the way back downtown.

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558 reviews

Photo of Jenny S.

Fascinating look into the start of rock n roll with an amazing docent who was incredibly knowledgeable.

sun studio tour review

See all photos from Jenny S. for Sun Studio

Photo of PJ C.

After coming here right after touring the Stax museum this experience was a bit disappointing. They only hold tours every hour but the bigger issue is that they cram way too many people into each tour. The studio spaces are way too small to have 30 plus people on a tour. It made it hard to see the displays on the second floor. $20 for a 35 minute tour was not worth it though the tour guide himself was very good and did a nice job. The history and the content is all very interesting it was just uncomfortably crowded. They should consider doing tours of half this size every half hour. We toured Motown in Detroit which is also a small space and they did an excellent job managing the experience. Also the parking is pretty limited.

sun studio tour review

What an incredible museum and tour! Sun Studio is the home of so many legends, it's worth visiting just to be able to step in the building. The tour is great, though- the tour guide brings the history of the studio to life. He also adds in audio clips of different songs, which really help you understand the impact of different musicians. It's not a huge building, but the tour takes about 45 minutes with the great information from the tour guide. The highlight is the end of the tour, where you get to hold the microphone that so many incredible artists recorded songs with. Don't miss this music tour when in Memphis!

sun studio tour review

See all photos from Kathryn J. for Sun Studio

Photo of Karina T.

The tour was interesting and gave a lot of history. I love when tour guides love their jobs and the tour guide at Sun Studios was happy to be there and his attitude made it easy to listen. The only thing I would say is, it's a bit expensive for 30 minutes.

sun studio tour review

See all photos from Karina T. for Sun Studio

Photo of Barb W.

Graham presented a wonderful recollection of many musical memories from my youth! Listening to such great artists and seeing the recording studio was super great! Recommend to ever who loved the 50s and 60s music!!

Photo of Olivia C.

I really loved Sun Studios. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. You could really see how much he enjoyed his job. I love the history and I'm hoping to be back soon.

sun studio tour review

Great tour led by Josh!! Very knowledgeable and friendly and fun. The displays were well done. Worth the ticket price!!

Photo of Lydia V.

Amazing tour of the history of rock-n-roll! Highly recommend this tour and spending time here. Currently, the tour includes an original sample of Elvis's first ever recording. If you come in summer, be prepared, it's hot!

sun studio tour review

What's not to love with this studio? Music history wise, was worth visiting! We were there as the last stop for our Memphis downtown tour and the most enjoyable 50 minutes we had for that day. Our guide is very knowledgeable and had the best presentation experience ever. The place is small but full of history and soul! Go check it out when you are here.

sun studio tour review

See all photos from Lourdes M. for Sun Studio

Photo of Evelyn M.

I loved my experience at Sun Studio. Our tour guide was the best. He was super enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He made the experience amazing. It was so amazing to stand in the same studio that so many greats have recorded. If you have a limited amount of time in Memphis please make sure to make time to go. You won't regret it.

sun studio tour review

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Price & Hours

  • Facilities 5.0
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U.S. News Insider Tip: After your tour, make the roughly half-mile walk to High Cotton , a local brewery with good vibes and perhaps most important, good beer. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Often referred to as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studio is a must-see for music aficionados. Former owner Sam Phillips helped launch many a music career, including that of Elvis, B.B. King, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. In recent years, the studio has been used by artists like Justin Townes Earle, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and The Walkmen, among others. On your guided tour, you'll hear stories about the legendary musicians who recorded here, listen to unreleased tracks and see memorabilia from the studio's heyday.

Recent visitors said Sun Studio is everything Graceland is not: authentic, personal and quirky. Reviewers said the tour guides were knowledgeable and entertaining, with many calling the experience "moving" and even "spine-tingling."

Since this is such a popular attraction, it is recommended that you arrive in the morning to buy tickets for a tour later that day to avoid waiting for a tour spot. All tickets are booked in person on the day of the tour, though you can purchase a prepaid voucher online to be exchanged for a ticket upon your arrival at the studio. Note that prepaying online will not guarantee you a spot on a specific tour, and you'll need to budget at least two weeks to receive your voucher in the mail. 

Located in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is open to visitors Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Guided tours are given at the bottom half of every hour, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tours last 40 to 50 minutes. Admission costs $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 11. Children younger than 5 years old are not permitted on the tour. There is free parking and a gift shop on the premises. The first half of the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though the second half is. For more information, check out Sun Studio's website . 

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#1 National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

Recent travelers agreed the National Civil Rights Museum should be at the top of anyone's list of things to see in Memphis. Housed in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, the museum features multimedia presentations on the civil rights movement. With the help of 260 artifacts, more than 40 films, oral histories, interactive media and external listening posts, visitors are guided through four centuries of history. During your self-guided tour, you'll view artifacts paramount to the movement, such as a Greyhound bus ridden by Freedom Riders. You'll also have the chance to see King's motel room, where he spent his final hours.

Reviewers described the museum as "surreal" and "incredibly moving." They went on to note the staging of the exhibits is "top-notch" and said the museum helped put seminal events of the period into context for a better overall understanding of the movement. Visitors should budget at least two to three hours to tour the entire facility. The museum is also a featured stop on many of the best Memphis tours . The Legacy Building, where James Earl Ray fired the shot that ended Dr. King's life, is closed until 2025 as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion project that will add exhibits and transform the adjacent Founders Park.

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Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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  • (0.20 km) Slim And Husky's Pizza Beeria
  • (0.51 km) Sunrise Memphis
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sun studio tour review

Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gayle

Also popular with travellers

sun studio tour review

SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

  • Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission (From RM 357.58)
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  • (0.06 km) Suburban Lodges of America
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sun studio tour review

Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Linda W

Also popular with travellers

sun studio tour review

SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

sun studio tour review

Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Gayle

Also popular with travellers

sun studio tour review

Sun Studio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission (From C$102.52)
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  • Nashville to Memphis Daytrip with Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission (From C$449.51)
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour (From C$218.70)
  • (0.06 km) Suburban Lodges of America
  • (0.59 km) The James Lee House
  • (0.29 km) 3300 SF 4BR/3Bth Pet-Friendly Loft 2 blks from Sun Studio has HUGE Rooftop Deck
  • (0.81 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown
  • (0.39 km) 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath Memphis Condo - Prime Downtown Location!
  • (0.08 km) Domino's Pizza
  • (0.20 km) Slim And Husky's Pizza Beeria
  • (0.51 km) Sunrise Memphis
  • (0.34 km) Evelyn and Olive
  • (1.52 km) Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Holler Country Music

A Guide To: Sun Studio

By Zoe Hodges

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Content Sponsor

What do you think of when you hear “Memphis, Tennessee?” Perhaps you think of the home of Elvis Presley, or maybe the Beale Street Blues springs to mind, or that it’s the birthplace of Rock n Roll. You’d be correct with all three, but what do they all have in common? Sun Studio, one of the World’s most iconic recording studios which has given life to a plethora of iconic songs from a range of different genres.

Since it first opened its doors, Sun Studio has launched the careers of music greats such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, just to name a few. Like all businesses, it’s had its ups and downs over its tenure, but its eventual success had a monumental impact on the progression of Blues, Rock n Roll, Country Music and popular music as a whole. It is now a must-see tourist attraction for music lovers from all around the World.

As it celebrates its 71st Birthday, here's A Guide to the defining moments and songs of Sun Studio.

The Birth of Sun – January 3rd 1950”

Sam Phillips was a DJ and Radio Engineer in Muscle Shoals, Alabama who dreamed of becoming a record producer and owning his own studio and label. On January 3rd 1950, this dream became a reality as Sam opened what was then known as The Memphis Recording Service at 706 Union Avenue, along with his friend and assistant Marion Keisker. As he tried to generate revenue, Sam would record anything from weddings and funerals to conventions and choirs. He had an open door policy with the slogan “We Record Anything, Anywhere, Anytime” For just $3.25 anyone could walk in off the street and make a record.

Holler Country Music

Early Recordings - B.B. King – ‘Mistreated Woman’ – 1950”

The first record label Phillips owned was with with friend and fellow Radio DJ Dewey Phillips, called Phillips Records. It unfortunately folded after releasing just one single; ‘Boogie in the Park’ by Joe Hill Louis, having sold less than 400 copies. He focused on recording demos and master tapes for bigger labels, such as Chess Records and Modern Records. Amongst these early recordings were Blues songs by Howlin' Wolf and B. B. King, including his single ‘Mistreated Woman’, released September 1950.

The Birthplace of Rock n Roll – ‘Rocket 88’ – 1951”

Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (who turned out to be Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm) recorded ‘Rocket 88’ at Sun Studio in 1951, whilst Sam Phillips was recording for Chess Records. It is commonly referred to as the first Rock n Roll song due to it’s unique fuzzy sound. Some say it was Phillip’s creativity that lead to this sound, whilst others claim it was all down to a broken amplifier that Sam stuffed with newspapers, so perhaps it was a bit of both. Ike Turner went on to become a talent scout for Modern Records and Sun, while spending a lot of time on Beale Street listening to the latest Blues artists. ‘Rocket 88’ would go on to top the Billboard R&B chart.

The launch of Sun Records – 1952”

The success of ‘Rocket 88’ meant Phillips had the funds to once again attempt to launch his own label - Sun Records. In 1952, it launched with the release of Johnny London’s ‘Drivin Slow’. Though the label started out recording African-American artists and bringing their music to white audiences, Sun made a name for itself nurturing talent - launching the careers of such greats as Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.

Sun's First Big Hit - Rufus Thomas – ‘Bear Cat’ – 1953”

Sun Records, like Sam’s previous labels, was failing. Sam travelled thousand of miles across the Country to try and promote his artists but he was losing money and turning to alcohol. In 1953, Sun finally made a breakthrough with its first big hit, Rufus Thomas ‘Bear Cat’. Yet it wouldn’t be roses from there for the label - ‘Bear Cat’ struck such a similarity to Mama Thornton’s ‘Hound Dog’ that a copyright infringement lawsuit ensued, almost bankrupting the record label again and forcing Phillips into a deal he would later come to regret.

The King's Inspiration - The Prisonaires – ‘Just Walkin' in the Rain’ – 1953”

In 1953, five African-American singers were inmates serving time in the Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville, for a range of crimes from Rape to Murder, Larceny to Involuntary Manslaughter. They were overheard singing by a radio producer, who was by chance at the prison to do an unrelated news segment. He arranged for this group, The Prisonaires, to perform on the radio. They were brought to the attention of Sam Phillips, who had them escorted by armed guards to Sun Studio, where they recorded their original song ‘Just Walkin’ in the Rain’. It went on to sell 250,000 copies and they frequently were let out on day release to tour Tennessee. The song would later become an even bigger hit for Johnnie Ray. An article about the group’s success, published by the Memphis Press-Scimitar, is thought to be what influenced a certain future king to seek out Sun studio.

The King has Entered The Building – 1953 / 1954”

In 1953, an eighteen-year-old Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studio, hoping to record a song for his Mother as a present and to even possibly be discovered. When Marion Keisker asked him what he sang, he replied “All kinds”, when she pressed further, asking who he sounded like, he said “I don’t sound like nobody”. Since Phillips wasn’t in the studio at the time, it was Keisker who first recorded Elvis, and it would be a whole year before Presley would make a breakthrough at Sun. It was July 5th 1954, when Presley along with two musicians Sam had invited along, Bill Black and Scotty Moore had had a rather unfruitful session. The song Sam had chosen, Elvis could not do justice. As they were about to pack up and leave Presley took his guitar and began playing ‘That’s All Right’. The two musicians quickly picked up their instruments and joined in with him. Sam quickly told them to back up and start again. This was the sound he’d been looking for. Three days later, Dewey Phillips played it on his radio show, it proved that popular with listeners that he played it continuously for the last two hours of his show.

The Man In Black debuts – 1955 / 1956”

Phillips, nearing bankruptcy due to the copyright infringement surrounding Rufus Thomas’ ‘Bear Cat’ and having his hand forced by Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, reluctantly sold Presley’s contract to RCA for $35,000, an amount unheard of at the time. The money would help Sam re-build the label, propelling it’s current artists, which by now included Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis, to fame. Johnny Cash recorded his debut ‘Cry! Cry! Cry!’ in 1955, reaching No.15 on the Country charts, before ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ entered the top five later that year. However, it was in 1956 that Cash really cemented himself in the Country music community. ‘I Walk the Line’ reached No.1 in the charts, helping Cash to bag his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Cash would become the first artist to release a full-length album on Sun Records.

The Million Dollar Quartet – 1956”

December 4th 1956 is a date etched into the history of popular music. An impromptu jam session at Sun Studio lead to one of the most famous collaborations ever documented. The sequence of events that happened on that day is disputed by those that were there, but it goes something like this. Carl Perkins, who had had success with his song ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, had come to the studio with his band to record some new material. Sam Phillips invited Jerry Lee Lewis, who wasn’t well known outside of Memphis at the time, on the same day that Elvis and Johnny Cash decided to drop in. Sam Phillips, seeing a publicity opportunity, called in members of the press. The next day, an article entitled The Million Dollar Quartet was published in the Memphis Press-Scimitar, alongside the famous photo of Elvis at the piano surrounded by Lewis, Perkins and Cash. The recordings themselves wouldn’t be released until 1981.

The decline of Sun”

Phillips would move Sun to a larger premises in 1959, but by the mid-1960s he had lost interest, instead wishing to focus on his work in Radio. He set up a number of stations throughout the 1950s and 1960s including WHER - America’s first all-female radio station. 706 Union Avenue belonged to a plumbing company, was an auto-parts store and even a Scuba shop while the label worked out its new premises until 1968, when it released its final record, Load of Mischief's 'Back In My Arms Again / I'm A Lover'.

Modern day Reverence”

The site at 706 Union Avenue would reopen in 1987, as a recording studio and tourist attraction. By day, you can tour the museum and studio where so much music history was created while recording your very own track by night, although it’ll cost you a little more than $3.25 today. Artists such as U2, Def Leppard, Elle King and Margo Price have all recorded at the famous studio since it’s re-opening. In fact, it is said Price and her husband pawned most of their possessions to raise the funds to record her debut album in such a revered and legendary studio. It was a gamble that would certainly pay off.

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sun studio tour review

Top ways to experience Sun Studio and nearby attractions

sun studio tour review

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

bonnalee20

Also popular with travellers

sun studio tour review

SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Vacations Made Easy

Sun Studio Guided Tour

Sun Studio Guided Tour

Walk into the legacy of greatness when you take an in-depth Sun studio tour of Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee , the location that birthed rock 'n' roll! Johnny Cash, Elvis Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and others jump started their careers at this historic studio tour. You will be able to visit the facility, hear the life biographies of these notable legends, and hear rare recorded pieces!  Located in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is the only records company to be named a National Historic Landmark. This 45- guided adventure will take you to see the exhibitions and your knowledgeable guide will be there to answer any questions that you may have. 

Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording Studio on January 3, 1950; He had no way of knowing that his facility would be the first hub for Rock 'n' Roll.  Musicians of the 1950s fused country and blues to create an influential and original new sound. It is a perfect addition to your Memphis  traveling. 

What You'll See on Sun Studio Tour

You'll get to see some timeless artifacts with this Sun Studios tour. You will see Elvis Presley's microphone that was used to record is first song 'That's All Right' in 1954. Graceland has loaned the studio many other pieces that you'll get to see as well, some of which have never been seen before! Hear voices of the musicians that are still alive; feel the energy that was captured in these recordings. There are so many priceless artifacts from various legends so make sure to add this to your things to do in Memphis list!

About the Artists Who Have Recorded Here

  • Carl Lee Perkins
  • Ringo Starr
  • Def Leppard
  • Bonnie Raitt
  • Matchbox 20

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  • Approximately how long could a customer plan to spend here? The experience is 45 minutes but guests usually spend about 90 minutes at the studio.
  • What amenities are available? There is a gift shop.
  • Is photography & video recording allowed? Yes.
  • For what ages is it appropriate? Children under 4 years of age are not allowed.
  • Is parking available? There is free parking directly behind the building.

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sun studio tour review

TOUR TICKETS  AVAILABLE  FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Due to limited availability, all tour tickets will be available only upon arrival.

Vouchers will be honored but they do not reserve a specific time or date.

Due to limited capacity, please do expect a bit of a wait time. If you are able, we highly suggest stopping by early in the day to purchase tickets for a later time that same day. 

Please keep in mind that tickets for a specific time can only be purchased in person and day of.  

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROCK'N'ROLL!

2024 updated hours 

Open 7 days a week

Sunday - Thursday 10am - 5:15PM

Friday & Saturday 10am - 5:15pm

Thanksgiving Day: CLOSED

Christmas Eve: 10am - 5:15pm  (last tour at 4:30)

Christmas Day: CLOSED

New Years Day: NOON - 6:15pm  (first tour at 12:30)

2024 ADMISSION

General Admission : $20

Youth : $18

(ages 12 - 18)

Children: $15

(ages 5-11 with adult admission. Please note: Children under the age of 5 are not permitted on the guided tour. We are happy to help facilitate alternative options. Contact a staff member for more info. 

General Admission tours begin once an hour at the following times:

Monday - Sunday 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30

No reservations will be made for General admission. All tickets are available upon arrival on a first come, first served basis.  Please note, vouchers will be honored or refunded as needed but they DO NOT reserve a specific date, time, or guarantee your admission if tours sell out for the day. We suggest to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour you would like to take and purchase tickets upon arrival. Ticket sales for the entire day open up at 10am. At that point, you can purchase for any tour that day. 

GROUP TOURS

Private group tours  for 20+ people are available at the following times: 

Please contact  John Schorr   for rates and booking in advance. 

10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. 

We are located one mile from the river  at the corner of Marshall and Union.

706 Union Avenue |  Memphis, TN 38103

Free parking is located behind the building. No parking access from Union - you must enter behind us on Monroe Avenue. 

  • How do I purchase tickets? Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of your visit. If you would like to pre-pay, vouchers can be purchase on our website. Vouchers take care of payment but do not guarantee a tour for a specific date or time - we do not do reservations (unless it is a large group). Ticket sales for the day begin at 10:00am each day. You can come by and purchase tickets for anytime in the day at that point but there will be no reservations over the phone or online.
  • How long should I plan to stay at Sun Studio? We suggest that you allow 1 - 1 1/2 hours here at Sun Studio. The tour is guided lasting a total of 40-50 minutes. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the tour you wish to take.
  • How far are you from downtown/Beale street? We are located on Union Avenue one mile from the river, one mile from Beale Street, and .7 mile from the Peabody Hotel It is a 5 minute drive or a 20 minute walk.
  • Is your location wheelchair accessible? The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003, therefore major renovations cannot be made to the studio. The gift shop/cafe is wheelchair accessible. Although the first half of the tour is inaccessible due to a staircase, the second half in the studio is accessible. If someone in your party cannot ascend the staircase, our staff would be happy to accommodate in whatever way we are able. **Please Note** There is one step up to get into the restroom! Please make arrangements beforehand to ensure a comfortable stay.
  • How long are the tours? All our tours are guided and last approximately 40-45 minutes
  • Where can I park? We have a free parking lot located directly behind our building. There is also street parking in the area as well as a paid, camera monitored lot at the corner of Orleans and Monroe.
  • Do you serve food? We do not have a full service kitchen but we do have cold sodas and hot coffee available for purchase. No outside Food or Beverage allowed on the tour (except water). We do have several fantastic restaurants in the neighborhood - we highly suggest: High Cotton Brewery, Sunrise Memphis and French Truck Coffee Shop.
  • Can I record a song at Sun Studio? We do not offer the "karaoke recording" any longer. We do still operate the studio at night as a professional recording studio. Please see the "RECORD" page or contact our studio engineer at: [email protected]
  • Are Dogs Allowed? Pets are not allowed. Service animals that are trained to assist an individual with a disability are allowed; emotional support animals do not qualify. Per ADA regulations, the service animal must remain under the handler's control at all times and must not pose a danger or threat to other service animals or patrons. Owners of service animals are responsible for the animal's personal care. For entry into Sun Studio, please be prepared to explain what work or task the dog has been trained to perform, per ADA guidelines. While a specific service animal vest or harness is not required for entry, due to the small spaces inside, having it identified as a working service animal would help deter patrons from engaging the animal while it is working. Additionally, we do not allow pets to be left unattended in vehicles in our parking lot, regardless of temperature. A study published in Pediatrics found that on days when the temperature outside was 72 degrees, the internal vehicle temperature rose to 117 degrees within 60 minutes and that cracking the windows open made no difference.

Sun Studio Tour Voucher

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COMMENTS

  1. Sun Studio

    12,416 reviews. #2 of 232 things to do in Memphis. Historic Sites. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world.

  2. Sun Studio

    Sun Studios is a MUST-SEE in Memphis. Our knowledgeable and energetic tour guide gave a 30-minute tour and review of Sun Studio's history with original memorable and equipment making this a fun and informative tour all while being entertained with recordings from the past. Small on-site merchandise reasonably priced. Friendly staff. On-site ...

  3. SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    10:00 AM - 5:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where ...

  4. Your Guide to Touring Sun Studio

    Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily (6:15 p.m. on Friday & Saturday). Costs: $15 per visitor. Children 5-11 years old: $10. Shuttle: A shuttle bus running between Sun Studio and The Rock 'n' Soul Museum is available for museum patrons. Shuttle seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

  5. SUN STUDIO

    558 reviews and 1191 photos of SUN STUDIO "Elvis. Johny Cash. Carl Perkins. Jerry Lee Lewis. Rufus Thomas. Howlin Wolf, Roy Orbison.... If you love music, then Sun Studio is in fact the birthplace of rock-n-roll, the foundation of rock-a-billy, and the home to soul and country legends. Today, Sun Studio's both a working studio and a tourist attraction.

  6. Sun Studio Reviews

    Located in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is open to visitors Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Guided tours are given at the bottom half ...

  7. Sun Studio, Memphis

    A: Sun Studio tours typically start at 10:30am and run every hour at half past. The last tour of the day usually starts at 4:30pm, except on Friday and Saturday, when there's an extra 5:30pm tour slot. The studio is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and tours don't start until 12:30pm on New Year's Day.

  8. Sun Studio Tour

    Sun Studio: Sun Studio Tour - See 12,411 traveler reviews, 5,348 candid photos, and great deals for Memphis, TN, at Tripadvisor.

  9. SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    10:00 AM - 6:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where ...

  10. Sun Studio Guided Tour GENERAL ADMISSION Ticket **PLEASE PRINT**

    When visiting Memphis, take a guided, 45-minute tour of Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock and roll and the most famous recording studio in the world. Sun Studio is the very place where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless other superstar musicians launched their illustrious careers. Also there is a Sun Studio Rock Shop voucher included!

  11. SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    12,393 reviews. #2 of 232 things to do in Memphis. Historic Sites. Open now. 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world.

  12. SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous

  13. Sun Studio

    12,417 reviews. #2 of 232 things to do in Memphis. Historic Sites. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world.

  14. Sun Studio: A Guide

    The Birth of Sun - January 3rd 1950". Sam Phillips was a DJ and Radio Engineer in Muscle Shoals, Alabama who dreamed of becoming a record producer and owning his own studio and label. On January 3rd 1950, this dream became a reality as Sam opened what was then known as The Memphis Recording Service at 706 Union Avenue, along with his friend ...

  15. SUN STUDIO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    We really enjoyed our visit to Sun Studio. Our tour guide, Lydia, was very knowledgeable and made the experience fun. She obviously had a great deal of experience and demonstrated a personal commitment to the history of the studio. She handled questions from the group with ease and was very informative about lesser-known, more subtle facts.

  16. Sun Studio Guided Tour

    Sun Studio Guided Tour. (4.7) Based on 115 reviews. 706 Union Ave , at Marshall Street Memphis, TN 38103. 1-800-987-9852 Chat Now. The guided tour is 45 minutes, but most people spend about 90 minutes looking around the studio. Appropriate for All Ages. Gift Shop On-site. Schedule.

  17. Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Upgrade 2024

    Memphis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game. from $24.50. Price varies by group size. Memphis, Tennessee. 1 Hour Axe Throwing in Memphis. 76. from $26.00. Memphis, Tennessee. Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour.

  18. Sun Studio

    12,405 reviews. #2 of 232 things to do in Memphis. Historic Sites. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM. Write a review. About. Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It's well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world.

  19. VISIT

    We suggest that you allow 1 - 1 1/2 hours here at Sun Studio. The tour is guided lasting a total of 40-50 minutes. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the tour you wish to take. ... For entry into Sun Studio, please be prepared to explain what work or task the dog has been trained to perform, per ADA guidelines. While a specific service ...