Pop Culture
19
At a small store on Market Square, Knoxville record merchant Sam Morrison of Bell Sales Company helped launch Elvis Presley’s career by promoting That’s All Right, Mama over loudspeakers to the public on the square. He was astonished to sell copies by the hundreds to people of all ages, including two copies to an RCA talent scout who was in the area searching for local country music talent. The scout sent a copy of the record to his boss in New York, and several months later RCA bought Elvis’ contract with Sun Studios in Memphis.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Knoxville, Tennessee · United States
