The Next Elvis. Sun Records

The Next Elvis. Sun Records

• Wednesday, 24 February 2016

• Written by: Barbara Barnes Sims

  Narrated by: Lee Ann Howlett

  Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:06-29-15

  Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

  An American institution, Sun Records has a history with many chapters: its Memphis origins with visionary Sam Phillips, the breakthrough recordings of Elvis Presley, and the studio's immense influence on the sound of popular music. But behind the company's chart toppers and legendary musicians there exists another story, told by Barbara Barnes Sims. In the male-dominated workforce of the 1950s, 24-year-old Sims found herself thriving in the demanding roles of publicist and sales promotion coordinator at Sun Records. Sims's job placed her in the studio with Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Carl Perkins, and other Sun entertainers, as well as the unforgettable Phillips, whose work made the music that defined an era. Her disarming narrative ranges from descriptions of a disgraced Jerry Lee Lewis to the remarkable impact and tragic fall of DJ Daddy-O Dewey to the frenzied Memphis homecoming of Elvis after his military service. Collectively, these vignettes offer a rare and intimate look at the people, the city, and the studio that permanently shifted the trajectory of rock 'n' roll. ©2014 Barbara Barnes Sims (P)2015 Redwood Audiobooks

  Review

  A woman working at an influential level in the music business, Sun Records no less, and in the 50s! Just the seeing names of the stars was enough to attract me to this book. Sadly though, what could have been an exciting read turned out to be a tad disappointing.

  All the information I wanted is there, but it reads like a rather boring history, which is great if that's all you want. I didn't get any sense of the vibe of those times, I had wanted to live it through the authors retelling, but that just didn't happen for me.

  To summarise: Excellent source of historical detail but a very dry account of an interesting time in the popular music industry. Disappointing.

  Narrator

  Lee Ann Howlett did a darned good job considering the somewhat emotionless and dry story she had to relate, I doubt anyone's ability to make this sound interesting. Good job Lee Ann!

  This audiobook was provided by the narrator. In return, this is my honest review