Samuel Phillips, Jr. Not specified
Record producer
January 5, 1923
Florence, Alabama, United States0
0 likes6
Updated just nowSamuel Cornelius Phillips Jr., better known as Sam Phillips, was born on January 5, 1923, in Florence, Alabama, United States. Growing up during the Great Depression, Phillips developed a deep appreciation for the power of music to transcend hardship. After attending Coffee High School, he began his career in radio engineering and sound recording, gaining technical expertise that would later revolutionize American music.
In 1950, Phillips founded the Memphis Recording Service, which later evolved into the legendary Sun Records. His studio became the birthplace of rock and roll, recording groundbreaking artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. Phillips was known for his innovative recording techniques and his ability to recognize raw talent across racial and cultural divides, helping to bridge the gap between blues, country, and rock music.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Sam Phillips Jr. played a pivotal role in shaping modern popular music. His discovery of Elvis Presley in 1954 at Sun Studio marked a turning point in music history, igniting the rock and roll era. Phillips also founded the Sun Broadcasting Corporation and invested in the Holiday Inn hotel chain, showcasing his entrepreneurial vision. He passed away on July 30, 2003, in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music.
Latest news about Samuel Phillips, Jr.
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Phillips Academy / Peabody Andover
Archaeologists Uncover Key Find at Samuel Phillips Jr. Mansion Site
On 2025-08-22, the Phillips Academy's archaeology program announced a notable discovery during excavations at the former Samuel Phillips Jr. Mansion House site. The Mansion, built in 1782 and destroyed by fire in 1887, has been the subject of summer digs since 2016. This new find provides insight into the early material culture connected to Samuel Phillips Jr. and the historic Academy campus.
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General search
No Recent News Found for Samuel Phillips Jr. (the Educator)
A broad search for recent news on Samuel Phillips Jr., founder of Phillips Academy and Massachusetts politician, returned no significant developments in 2025. Most mentions of his name derive from historical or educational contexts, not new events. The absence suggests no contemporary news items tied directly to him in current media.
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Phillips Academy news
Anniversary of Samuel Phillips Jr.'s Birth Recognized by Phillips Academy
On 2025-01-05, Phillips Academy marked the 273rd birthday of their founder, Samuel Phillips Jr. The Academy highlighted historical reflections, educational legacy, and campus commemorations tied to his vision. The event underscores ongoing institutional respect for his role in American education.
Frequently Asked Questions about Samuel Phillips, Jr.
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Who was Sam Phillips Jr.?
Sam Phillips Jr., born Samuel Cornelius Phillips Jr., was an American record producer and founder of Sun Records. He is best known for discovering Elvis Presley and shaping the sound of early rock and roll.
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When was Sam Phillips Jr. born?
Sam Phillips Jr. was born on January 5, 1923, in Florence, Alabama, United States.
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What is Sam Phillips Jr. famous for?
Sam Phillips Jr. is famous for founding Sun Records and discovering legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, helping to launch the rock and roll movement.
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What artists did Sam Phillips Jr. discover?
Sam Phillips Jr. discovered and recorded major artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison.
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When did Sam Phillips Jr. found Sun Records?
Sam Phillips Jr. founded Sun Records in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, after running the Memphis Recording Service since 1950.
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Where was Sam Phillips Jr. from?
Sam Phillips Jr. was from Florence, Alabama, United States, where he was born and raised before moving to Memphis to start his music career.
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When did Sam Phillips Jr. die?
Sam Phillips Jr. died on July 30, 2003, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
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How did Sam Phillips Jr. influence rock and roll?
Sam Phillips Jr. played a key role in blending blues, country, and gospel influences to create the early rock and roll sound. His work with Elvis Presley and others revolutionized popular music.
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What was Sun Records?
Sun Records was a recording label founded by Sam Phillips Jr. in 1952 in Memphis, known for launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other rock legends.
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Was Sam Phillips Jr. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, Sam Phillips Jr. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contributions to music history.
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Did Sam Phillips Jr. work with Elvis Presley?
Yes, Sam Phillips Jr. discovered Elvis Presley in 1954 and produced his first recordings, including 'That's All Right,' which helped launch Presley's career.
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What was Sam Phillips Jr.'s early life like?
Sam Phillips Jr. grew up in Alabama during the Great Depression, where he developed a passion for music and radio that shaped his future career as a producer and studio owner.
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When was Samuel Phillips, Jr. born?
Born on January 5, 1923
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What is Samuel Phillips, Jr. best known for?
Samuel Phillips, Jr. is known as a Record producer from United States.
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How old is Samuel Phillips, Jr.?
Samuel Phillips, Jr. is 80 years old.
