Fresh Air Roots of Rock: Sun Records & Johnny Cash
Aug 26, 2025
Johnny Cash, the legendary figure in country music, discusses his transformative journey, particularly after his collaboration with Rick Rubin that introduced him to a younger audience. Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, reflects on his role in launching stars like Elvis Presley and the complex racial dynamics during the dawn of rock and roll. They delve into Cash's enduring legacy, his iconic Folsom Prison performance, and share insights on authenticity and the emotional weight of their music.
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Early Exposure Shaped Phillips' Ear
- Sam Phillips's exposure to Black music began in childhood working alongside Black sharecroppers.
- That daily closeness shaped his lifelong musical sensibility and production choices.
Creating A Safe Studio For Black Musicians
- Sam Phillips deliberately created a studio environment where Black musicians felt comfortable and could play their music honestly.
- He avoided forcing performers to adopt white-pop styles and recorded them as they were.
Howlin' Wolf's Unmistakable Power
- Sam Phillips recounts Howlin' Wolf's raw, untrained but powerful voice and presence.
- He admired Wolf's ability to 'get lost in a song' and the passion it brought to recordings.