Sam Phillips

Sam Phillips (January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003) was an American record producer and founder of Sun Records and Sun Studio. He played a major role in the development of rock and roll during the 1950s by launching the career of Elvis Presley and producing recordings by other iconic artists like Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Howlin' Wolf. Phillips also owned and operated radio stations in Memphis, Florence, and Lake Worth Beach, as well as being an early investor in the Holiday Inn chain of hotels. He was known for his advocacy of racial equality and breaking down racial barriers in the music industry.