10 Elvis Presley Songs Which Will Change How You Think About The King

Back to Sun Studios and Sam Phillips for this next entry, another mythical moment in rock 'n roll history. On 4 December 1956, Phillips had brought future country/rockabilly great Carl Perkins (who wrote and recorded the original Blue Suede Shoes) into the studio to cut some new material. Fleshing out Perkins' band was an as-yet-unheralded young pianist by the name of Jerry Lee Lewis.

At some point during the afternoon, Presley, now two years into his professional career, dropped by for an informal visit. After listening with Phillips to the playback, Presley wandered into the studio. A short while later, the musicians began an impromptu jam. At some point, they were joined by another Sun artist who had come to hear Perkins record – one Johnny Cash.

Phillips, sensing an opportunity, began to record. The results make for a fascinating document. This is a genuine slice of history, with Cash, Lewis, Perkins and Presley running through a shared repertoire of beloved songs. Many years later, Cash, Lewis and Perkins, with the addition of Roy Orbison, reunited to record the album Class of '56, in remembrance of a special time and a unique talent.