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Jerry Phillips, the youngest son of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, released his debut album, “For the Universe,” in 2024. Now, Phillips is the subject of a documentary chronicling his life, musical exploits and the making of the record.
The film, which is available for free on YouTube, is part of a new effort to highlight local music history by Memphis Record Pressing.
Here’s what to know about “Legends | Jerry Phillips – A Life Beyond the Shadow of Sun.”
Who is Jerry Phillips?
As a member of one of Memphis’ iconic musical families, the 77-year-old Phillips has been part of many important cultural moments.
A “child wrestler” in the 1950s, Phillips was a member of the ’60s garage group The Jesters (who recorded the classic “Cadillac Man,” one of the last great original Sun releases), and worked on projects for Stax as well co-produced singer-songwriter John Prine’s 1979 album, “Pink Cadillac,” with his brother, the late Knox Phillips.
All through the years, however, Phillips was writing original songs. Finally, in 2024, he recorded his debut album, “For the Universe.” The project was produced by noted Bluff City engineer Scott Bomar of The Bo-Keys and Phillips’ daughter Halley Phillips and cut at the family’s Sam Phillips Recording studio in Memphis.
Phillips’ belated solo debut reflects the numerous influences throughout his life, including the many great Sun artists — from Elvis Presley to Carl Perkins to Jerry Lee Lewis — he’d known since childhood, while offering a unique take on that musical legacy.
What is the documentary about?
Presented by local music manufacturer Memphis Record Pressing’s TV production arm as the premiere episode of its new series, “Legends,” the 40-minute documentary and focuses on Phillips’ life as a member of the influential Memphis musical family and his effort to find his identity — hence the film’s subtitle: “A Life Beyond the Shadow of Sun.”
The film features interviews with Phillips’ family, friends and collaborators including daughter Halley, producer Bomar, songwriter Jim Whitehead, mastering engineer Jeff Powell and more. The production also features full musical performances by Phillips and an all-star Memphis band.
Where can you watch the documentary?
The film is available for free on Memphis Record Pressing’s YouTube channel.
You can also view it below.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.commercialappeal.com ’
