Music

Hard to believe but a tiny recording studio in downtown Memphis Tennessee was to become the birthplace of Rock and Roll more than 50 years ago.

The Sun Recording based at 706 Union Avenue became the home of producer Sam Phillips who in turn brought the world the first records of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and of course Elvis Presley. 

Jerry Lee Lewis recorded at Sun Records

Today the recording studio acts as a museum highlighting its many achievements during the '50s. Visitors can do exactly what a young Elvis did back in 1953, lay down some money and make a private recording.

Cornwall's Joe Francis took that idea one stage further, and did something Elvis never did at Sun Records, record an entire album.

Recorded in just six hours, from midnight to sunrise, at the legendary studios, Joe Francis and The Ammunition present 'The Sun Sessions'.

The new album is a collection of haunting melodies, complete tracks and demos, poetry and scribblings, composed by Joe during his travels in the USA and recorded at the birth place of rock and roll.

It's not the first time Joe and his band have recorded at historic studios.

Joe's band The Ammunition

'The Lost William Testament' was released on Monday 9 July 2007, in Cornwall to much local acclaim. It was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios, home to John, Paul, George and Ringo during the '60s. This was particularly special for Joe as The Beatles are his all-time favourite band.

It's been a busy summer for Joe, singing most nights. Look out for the new album called 'The Sun Sessions'.