Sun Studio - Memphis, Tennessee
Sun Studio, originally called the Memphis Recording Service, was opened by Sam Phillips. It was here where the first rock-and-roll record ("Rocket 88") was recorded by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats in 1951. The song was written by Ike Turner who also played the piano on the record.
Sun Recording Studio - Memphis, Tennessee
Here I am playing the piano in the studio. To the right is the "Elvis" microphone where he stood when he recorded in this room. Other artists who got their start at this legendary studio were Jerry Lee Lewis (“Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" and "Great Balls of Fire"), Johnny Cash (“Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line”), and Carl Perkins (“Blue Suede Shoes”).
Sun Studio Recording Console - Memphis, Tennessee
An old tape recording machine at Sun Studio.
RCA Recording Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee
Among the hits recorded in this room were “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” “It’s Now or Never,” “You’re the Devil in Disguise,” (Elvis Presley), “Only the Lonely,” “Running Scared,” “Crying” (Roy Orbison), and “Let It Be Me,” “Cathy's Clown,” “When Will I Be Loved,” (The Everly Brothers).
RCA Studio B Control Room - Nashville, Tennessee
This studio produced the "Nashville Sound" which revived the popularity of country music. Chet Atkins worked from this console.
RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee
Here I am playing the piano in RCA's historic Studio B. Other artists who recorded here were Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings.
Sam Phillips Recording Studio - Memphis, Tennessee
Sam Phillips opened another studio around the corner from the historic Sun Studio called The Phillips Recording Service. In this building Dusty Springfield recorded “Son-Of-A Preacher Man” and Sam The Sham recorded "Lil Red Riding Hood." It is still active and was used to record songs on Jerry Lee Lewis’ latest album “Last Man Standing” in 2006.
Hitsville, U.S.A. - Detroit, Michigan
This is the Motown Recording Studio where classic hits were recorded by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Jackson Five, and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Motown Recording Studio - Detroit, Michigan
Here I am dancing inside Studio A during a playback session. Motown's greatest hits were recorded here from 1959-1972. In this room Diana Ross and the Supremes belted out such classics as "Baby Love" and “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” The Temptations recorded the great classics “The Way You Do The Things You Do," "My Girl," and “I Can’t Get Next To You." “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” was recorded by Marvin Gaye from where I am standing.
Graceland - Memphis, Tennessee
I took this photo of Elvis Presley's living room and piano room at Graceland.
The Lisa Marie - Memphis, Tennessee
Here I am in front of Elvis Presley's private jet.
The Home of W.C. Handy - Memphis, Tennessee
W.C. Handy, often called "the Father of the Blues" introduced a new musical genre to the world. The house where he lived in Memphis, has been relocated here, just off Beale Street.
W.C. Handy Park - Memphis, Tennessee
Here on Beale Street is a park named for one of Memphis' famous sons. Every afternoon and evening blues musicians gather to perform free concerts.
Birthplace of W.C. Handy - Florence, Alabama
Here I am at W.C. Handy's piano after playing his most famous composition: "St. Louis Blues."
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & 1812 Museum - Baltimore, Maryland
The original sheet music of the Star Spangled Banner first published in 1822. It is written in the key of "C" and the beginning is a little different from the version we know today, which is in the key of "A-flat."
Abbey Road -- London, England
O.K., so it's not in America and it's not recent, but walking across this intersection (outside of Abbey Road Studios) was a childhood dream fulfilled!
The Beethovenhaus -- Bonn, Germany
This is also not in America and not recent, but I am still proud to have stood in the master's doorway!
The John Lennon Room, The Hard Rock Cafe, Universal City Walk - Orlando, Florida
This is the original poster made by John Lennon and displayed at his "Bed-In" in the hotel room where he first performed and recorded "Give Peace A Chance."
"Penny Lane" Trumpet, The Hard Rock Cafe, Universal City Walk - Orlando, Florida
This is the original manuscript horn orchestration for "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" (signed by all four members of The Beatles). The trumpet was used to record the solo part in “Penny Lane” and “All You Need Is Love” in 1967.