Sam phillips interview

Behind the Music: A Candid Conversation with the man who invented rock and roll

In 1984, Mike participated in a group exchange visit between Cardiff and Memphis/Atlanta. As Mike presented a country music radio programme in Cardiff, he was immediately taken to the radio station where Elvis was first broadcast upon arrival in Memphis, to discuss Wales and country music in the UK.

Mike’s hosts in Memphis, Bill and Norma Pretch, knew that Mike had brought a tape recorder and microphone (just in case he might interview someone important) and asked if he would like to meet Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records. Although Mike had not heard of Sam Phillips, he knew that Elvis and Johnny Cash had started their careers at Sun Records, so he agreed.

After a few phone calls, word came back that Sam would meet him that very afternoon. As Mike knew nothing about Sam Phillips, he went to a local library and prepared about 20 questions to ask him. A few hours later, Norma drove him to Sam’s home. After giving Sam a grand introduction, Mike began the interview by forgetting Sam’s name! There was a brief, awkward pause until Mike remembered, and they both laughed. What could have been an embarrassing moment actually set the tone for a great interview.

Sam realised he was being interviewed by someone who knew nothing about him and was able to open up much more than he would in a typical media interview. The interview lasted about an hour and a quarter. Unfortunately, it was never broadcast, as Mike had left the radio station before it could be edited.

Paul Gambaccini had taken over Mike’s Sunday afternoon slot at the radio station in Cardiff. Mike never moved to another station, and the interview remains his private property. A person who regularly sells celebrity memorabilia suggested that this interview is probably the best one Sam ever gave, after hearing excerpts from it. With Leonardo DiCaprio set to play Sam in an upcoming movie about his life, the interview could be of great value.