The Sam Phillips Celebration will take place on January 5th through January 10th,2009. Jerry Philips, Sam's youngest son, said the concept behind the celebration remembering his father is to feature artists that mirror the various genres of music that Sam Phillips recorded such as Rock n Roll, Blues and Country. The event is now in it's fourth year and will be held at the Marriott Shoals Conferce Center in Florence, Alabama.
Delbert McClinton is the headliner of the event. Delbert represents the blues era of Sam's career when he produced Howling Wolf, BB King and Ike Turner. Sam's youngest son Jerry said, "Sam started out recording blues artists before Elvis or any of the other guys. It's what he liked to do." Jerry also said McClinton has alot of connections in Florence having recorded there in the past.
Jason D. Williams will return for his third appearance at the Sam Phillips event. He is back by popular demand said Jerry. Sonny Burgess and The Pacers will also honor Sam. Sonny said he wanted to pay tribute to Sam while he was still around. "Sonny Burgess is an original Sun artist that Sam actually recorded. Sonny wanted to do the show for a couple of years ." said Jerry Phillips.
More guests will be announced.
Sam Phillips Celebration 2009
November 11, 2008 | People Source:Elvis Unlimitedtigerpawl wrote on
November 12, 2008
Well this is good positive news but how many people are attending the event in Florence Alabama. Why not have a week long celebration jointly with Elvis birthday in Memphis where people know and have been.
circleG wrote on
November 12, 2008
God bless sun records and as for Sam whattaguy! Is there a decent biography on him out there?
OtisBlue22 wrote on
November 12, 2008
Peter Guralnick's 'Last Train To Memphis' contains some brief biographical info about Sam in its prologue. It's very interesting, especially the bit about shock therapy or shock treatment.
MrB wrote on
November 12, 2008
Sam was a HERO! The people that man discovered & what they went on to do in the music world is phenomenal, SO MANY huge talents, discovered & nurtured in one studio. I remember meeting him at his one London appearance shortly before his death & thanking him for an incredible evening of entertainment & insight into his life & he so swiftly took my hand with both of his & said "no, thank YOU for coming out to see ME" !!!!!!!!!! WHAT a guy!
circleG wrote on
November 13, 2008
great anecdote MrB. my fave scene is from the film 'walk the line' when Sam is talking to Cash in the studio, it still sends a shiver down my spine!