Sam Phillips deserves a United States Postage Stamp because he was an honorable American icon. He demonstrated the courage to break racial barriers in music during the segregated 1950's of the South. Phillips discovered many well known talented artists. My favorite amongst them was Elvis Presley.
Phillips had a talented ear for sound. He heard what most seasoned record producers couldn't hear. Phillips was self-taught and was intune with the heart and soul of music. He didnt judge a person if they could carry tune, but he did critique the originality of the artists' style. He wasn't interested in doing things the same way. For example, country music was already king in Nashville. Electric Blues was already being done in Chicago. In his mind, the world didn't need another Frank Sinatra, Hank Williams Sr., or another Dinah Washington because the record companies were trying to mimic what was already being done with newer artists. He wanted his artists to create their own sound. He also wanted to bring various generes of music together so that it would appeal to both black and white people. He opened up the Memphis Recording Service, now known as Sun Studio, in 1950. The motto he used was "We create anything, anywhere, anytime."
Phillips accomplished his goal to bring black and white music together when he recorded Elvis Presley. Elvis had the negro feel in his voice in a white person's skin. Phillips didnt like that term 'race music,' which was used to describe the music listened to by only black people. On July 5, 1954, Rock n' Roll music was born with the recording of "That's Alright Mama." This was Presley's first big hit record. This breakthrough opened many doors for this new kind of music that brought forth many influential artists. It will be an honor for Phillips' birthtown in Florence, Alabama to host the official ceremony when the stamp is realized.
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