Also appears as "Sun Records".
US label founded in 1952 by Sam Phillips (2). During the 1950s and 1960s, Sun defined the Rockabilly genre with artists like Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and of course Elvis Presley. The first record on Sun was "Blues In My Condition" by "Little Walter" Horton and Jack Kelly. During the first year, Phillips recorded several artists who would go on to have successful careers. Among them were B.B. King, Rufus Thomas and Howlin' Wolf. Thomas's "Bearcat," a recording that was similar to "Hound Dog," was the first real hit for Sun in 1953. Little Junior's Blue Flames hit #5 with "Feelin' Good" later in 1953. In July 1969, Phillips sold 80% of his interest to Shelby S Singleton Jr. (see label). The rights were acquired by Primary Wave Music in January 2021.
Any release with a seven-digit Philips/Phonogram numerical catalogue number is 1970 or later.
For company credits, see:
-Sun Record Company / label (1952 to 30 June 1969)
-label (1 July 1969-)
-Sun Entertainment Corporation (1987-)
See also label or label
For unofficial releases, see Sun (10).
Note #1: There are several variations of the original official 7-inch's. They were pressed in Memphis and Los Angeles. The earlier Memphis pressings have push-marks - these markings are three circles in a triangle pattern (seen until Sun 236). The Los Angeles pressings have a delta or triangle etched into the trail-off vinyl. Both markings have not been reproduced.
Note #2: None of Elvis Presley's records were issued with picture sleeves and there were no EPs or LPs produced while he was under contract to Sun (9).