On December 26, 1956, one of the most famous recordings in music history took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. This recording session, known as the "Million Dollar Quartet," brought together four of the most iconic musicians of the time: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The impromptu jam session occurred when all four musicians happened to be at the studio at the same time. Elvis Presley, who had recently shot to stardom, dropped by the studio to visit his former label mates. Carl Perkins was there to record new material, accompanied by Jerry Lee Lewis on piano. Johnny Cash, who was also recording at Sun Records, stopped by as well.
The four musicians started an informal jam session, with Elvis Presley on vocals and bass, Carl Perkins on guitar, Jerry Lee Lewis on piano, and Johnny Cash on vocals. They performed a variety of gospel, country, and rock 'n' roll songs, including "I Shall Not Be Moved," "Peace in the Valley," and "Down by the Riverside."
The session was recorded by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, who had the foresight to keep the tape rolling. The recordings remained unreleased for decades, until they were finally issued in 1981 as the album "The Million Dollar Quartet."
The "Million Dollar Quartet" session is significant not only because it brought together four of the most influential musicians of the era, but also because it showcased the blending of different musical styles that would come to define rock 'n' roll. The recording captures a moment in time when these four legendary artists were at the height of their powers, and it offers a glimpse into the camaraderie and musical chemistry that existed between them.
Today, the "Million Dollar Quartet" session is celebrated as a landmark moment in music history, and it continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
