Visalia Fox Theatre

One Night in Memphis

Saturday, June 29th

Doors 7pm | Show 8pm

“One Night in Memphis” honors a night in rock and roll history that still lives on today. On December 4th, 1956, Carl Perkins, along with his brothers Clayton and Jay booked a recording session at Sam Phillips Sun Records studio in Memphis, TN.  Carl was to record an old blues song called, “Matchbox” that the Beatles were to cover as well years later.  On the session along with Carl was one of Sam Phillips latest acquisitions to his stable of acts, a young and cocky piano player from Ferriday, Louisiana by the name of Jerry Lee Lewis.  Not too long after they got a satisfactory take, Elvis Presley dropped by (a big star already) and listened in.  Johnny Cash dropped by as well.  A jam session then ensued and the engineer that day, Jack Clement kept the tape rolling without the knowledge of anyone.  The jam session went on for quite a while and at some point during the session Sam Phillips called the Memphis Press Scimitar newspaper and they came by towards the end and shot some photos of it. An Article appeared the next day about the memorable occasion under the headline of “Million Dollar Quartet.” What survives today is a recording of an event that is a momentous eavesdropping on American recording artist icons in their prime; Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all having the time of their life singing country, gospel and rock and roll songs. It’s a fascinating glimpse of rock and roll in its infancy and shows what these legends all shared in common; growing up in the south and singing gospel music in church.  You can also hear a camaraderie between major music stars in their prime, something that is rare in today’s music business. 

“One Night in Memphis” was created in 2012 by John Mueller, well known for his long running and successful “Winter Dance Party, tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.”   

For more info, visit www.onenightinmemphis.com