A WAVE OF PRODUCTS TO HONOR SUN'S 70th

Primary Wave will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the storied Memphis label Sun Records through new product launches, strategic partnerships, multimedia projects and branding initiatives.

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records was the early home of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison and was instrumental in launching the careers of The Dixie Cups, Howlin’ Wolf, Rosco Gordon and others.

The first release, Sun Records 70th Anniversary Compilation Vol. 1, curated by Chris Isaak, was released 1/21. Vol. 2 will be issued 8/19, followed by Vol. 3 (11/18) and Vol. 4 (12/9), curated by Jerry Phillips.

Among the single-artist packages are Roy Orbison: The Original Sound (2/25); Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly (3/18); Jeannie C. Riley: Harper Valley P.T.A. (4/22); The Dixie Cups: Chapel of Love (5/20); Linda Martell Color Me Country (6/17); and Johnny Cash: With His Hot & Blue Guitar (10/21). A Bettye LaVette set will come out 7/22. A Jerry Lee Lewis title is scheduled for 9/22.

Paul Rodgers, who recently partnered with Primary Wave, will be releasing a new single, “Coming Home,” in March on Sun with more new music to follow.

Said John Singleton, President of Sun Record Co., “The rooster and rising sun on the Sun Records label convey Sam Phillips’ conviction that every day was an opportunity for something new, and Sam capitalized on this belief as Sun Records became one of the most popular labels of the twentieth century. As Sun enters its eighth decade, Primary Wave is sharing Phillips’ belief by unleashing many new things that will enhance the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the 1952 birth of Sun Records. Primary Wave is doing this because of their passion and respect for Sun’s legacy and its forever place in popular music.”

PW has already begun exploring, restoring and archiving a wealth of Sun artifacts, including unreleased material, demos, full-session outtakes, historical photography and other family-tree assets. Releases will be issued on vinyl and in Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.

Digital Artist of the Month campaigns will also aid in the anniversary festivities, along with a new book telling the Sun story via 70 recordings and the artists who recorded on the label from 1952 to 1968. Later this year, a Sun Records podcast, Midnight at the Sun Diner, will be launched. There’s a new line of Sun apparel and accessories, too.