Producer Shelby Singleton - The Story of Buying Sun Records from Sam Phillips

[@okjoe5561]

What I like about the way you interview is you let the people talk.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Joe..........Joe

[@dannyc1174]

Right on, Brother - you said it!

[@ericcrawford3453]

I agree he don't talk over his guest

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

Priceless interview. Thank You Joe. Music History. Honest and true.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks as usual mVm.... joe

[@DKentization]

I wonder who has the book and movie rights to the Shelby Singleton story. I knew the name but had no idea how intelligent nor the high level of intuition he possessed and how he influenced modern music. Joe, thank you for your insights and initiative to capture these interviews/stories and getting them out to us...the music loving/historians of the world...bravo!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

You’re very welcome D..... thanks for watching too... Joe

[@phillydog17]

Mr. Singleton was a giant! So happy he credited the Anita Kerr Singers and the Jordonaires and the fine musicians he hired to make such beautiful music.

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

Names I have seen on records in the last 60 years but never saw or heard them - until now. Great service you have.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Jim... glad you’re enjoying them... best, Joe

[@joefeldpausch]

As music biography nut, these stories that you do, Joe, are absolute gold! I have an entire library of songwriter and artist biographies from Carole King to Bobby Braddock, and still I've never heard so many of these legendary stories! Keep 'em coming!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Joe... thanks for supporting our channel... glad you’re enjoying them... Merry Christmas...Joe

[@joefeldpausch]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Buy the way Joe.... I talked to Bobby Braddock a few days ago. We plan on doing a interview as soon as the Corona deal is done. Hopefully this Spring... best, Joe

[@joefeldpausch]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Can’t wait, Joe! I was blown away at the stories he told in his biography. Anyone who has questions about the ups and downs and the ins and outs of a songwriter’s life in the publishing world could learn so much. And of course, his personal life and relationships is worthy of a movie. He is a fascinating human being and tremendous songwriter. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Yes he’s great. We’ve been friends for at least 40 years. Joe

[@ericcrawford3453]

I like it when you get stories out of your guest about Elvis. T.C.B.

[@stevevice9863]

I would wager that Sam Phillips got the short end of the stick on the Sun Records deal. This guy has a stone face and a look that would make him tough to negotiate with. What a giant of the music business! His memory is sharp as a tack. Thanks for such an interesting interview.

[@doobeedoo2]

It's just fantastic that y'all had the foresight to do these interviews while these ppl were still alive and many long before we had KZbin, meaning you documented these things without quite knowing that they could find an audience later on. Brilliant.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching… very kind comment doobee… best, Joe

[@edgoswick1271]

Mr Singleton is one of the coolest people I've ever heard in an interview. Thanks, Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ed....yes... Shelby was one of a kind. I was lucky to have known him.... Merry Christmas....Joe

[@lordhoho1]

Great that you get all the pictures of the people discussed

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks ho ho 1….. that’s Jay our video archivist that does all that. Best, Joe

[@regmason2329]

Treasure trove of music information. Look forward to the next interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again for watching Reg.... Joe

[@josephtabar492]

Joe thank you for all the great interviews that you do. I am never bored with your videos. They are the best and informative. They contain much information that I wanted to know for my youth, but was unable to attain at that time. Has anyone called you a teacher? Now I have. Thank you very much. Blessings to you and your family and Merry Christmas.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Joseph.... thanks for the very kind words ... I truly appreciate it. No... I’ve never been confused as a teacher. Actually my teachers in school are probably rolling over in their graves hearing me referred to as a teacher:) Merry Christmas to you and family too... Sincerely, Joe

[@1rwjwith]

This is like a history of the REAL RECORD BUSINESS…amazing.

[@wintonhudelson2252]

Thank you Joe for this program

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Winton....... joe

[@dubdub4862]

I love the history! His mind was sharp too! That's a ton of history to remember.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Joe, I’m still embarrassed I didn’t know who you were before this channel, but it’s such a great thing you’re doing, and you must be well respected to have all these people open up with you like they do. Most impressive is that you’re still here answering almost everyone in the comments. That’s really impressive man. Pretty soon, you’ll be at 100K and things will blow up from there, making that nearly impossible. We are so lucky to have you capturing and sharing all these years of work. Bless you man, and thank you so much again.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Patrick.... thanks as always.... Merry Christmas to you and family... Joe

[@drakbar5957]

So cerebral, and like your interview with Billy Sherrill, Shelby plays it close to the vest. But he’s got all the facts and figures right at his fingertips, and didn’t shy away from telling you. Sherrill heard the music. Singleton heard the hits. Both geniuses! Kudos.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again for watching Dr....... joe

[@corkpop8401]

Wow just as good as part one. Shelby is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom and Joe keeps it flowing. At many points in this interview you realize that Joe has two steady hands on the tap. Not easy.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Cork.... Joe

[@user-nu7kk4uw6k]

This is very valuable stuff, keeping alive and documenting important people and episodes of the history of American popular culture. Thank you.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

nu7kk, thank you for watching! Best, Britt

[@teddysalad8227]

Great interviews. This Hall of Fame shines.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

BrotherT.... thanks....Joe

[@recordguy4321]

another FABULOUS interview Joe. Ever since I discovered your channel and subscribed I'm amazed that finally someone asks the questions I wanna know.,and how much I didnt know. You are the best. Continued success and look forward to more in the future.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks roughtake….Joe

[@houdini1972]

Probably my favorite interview that you've ever done. Great job.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

EPMGFM, My Dad, Joe, passed alway September 28th- but I know he would have really appreciated your kind comment. Thank you for your support of the channel… I hope you can visit the museum as well. Best, Britt

[@nelsong4719]

Great interview Joe. Randy Bachman has a great radio program here in Canada called Vinyl Tap on CBC RadioOne 7pm MST on Saturdays. It's interwoven with great music , personal experiences and relationships in the music biz. Stay healthy.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Nelson... yes i know Randy... we inducted him back in 2014. I heard him and his brother on the Beatles channel this week. Very interesting hearing them discuss the Beatles etc. Best, Joe

[@royrush5374]

Very insightful interview. Much appreciated!

[@robertstotts2343]

Yeah Toussaint played on a song called rock show venus and mars lp..Respect to this channel always

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Robert...Joe

[@Sticks-of-TNT-tf1tn]

Another absolute gem. Thanks Joe. 🧨

[@seerstone8982]

Speaking of Phillips worrying about the tapes. Could you do an episode on the Universal Music Group warehose fire in Los Angeles in 2008. An estimated 500.000, audio recordings were lost in the conflagration.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Seer.... I know about the fire but I have no information about it. Thanks for watching our channel... best, Joe

[@GG-ks4ul]

A pleasure and a privilege to listen in on two music fans who know their stuff.

[@bobgrilli1427]

Love the "show" always. Shelby was a genius. Worked his ass off. And made more money than any of his artists. Great interview. I learned so much!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Bob.... Joe

[@sapelesteve]

Yet another amazing interview Joe! Mr. Singleton was obviously a very talented, no nonsense, astute businessman. Someone should write a book about his life & the music industry he created. Thanks for these fascinating interviews. Happy Holidays to you & your family!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Steve.... thanks as always... Merry Christmas to you and family too... Joe

[@ericcrawford3453]

Very good thank you coooolll stuff!

[@rogwhite9866]

The best interviews on You Tube. Thank you for recording the people behind the names we only see on records.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Rog....Joe

[@c5back9]

Joe, I really enjoy these interviews. Mostly because I hear so much in them that I never knew anything about, but also equally important, because you put straightforward questions to your guests and sit back attentively allowing them the time to say what they want the way they want to say it without interrupting them. Kudos to you for your kind attention to helping memorialize music history.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks c5.....Joe

[@melodymakermark]

He wasn’t a massive talker, was he. Stated just enough to answer the questions. It’s a good thing.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

What a great interview Thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Nelly... Joe

[@tomstiel7576]

great interview Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tom... Joe

[@sundownsigns]

A fascinating person! I've heard his name for many years but had no idea what a mover and shaker he was in the music business.

[@joeblough937]

Brilliant man and great interview. It’s obvious how well liked you are by everyone you interview. You are the perfect guy to be doing this, so interesting to hear all the history. Great stuff.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Joe…Joe

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

These interviews are so good, so interesting, so entertaining, and so darn important. All of this behind the scenes, "real" facts and knowledge would just be lost to time without them. As a musician I have always been interested in this kind of info, who played what on what session and who produced it, etc. But I'm finding out so much stuff to look into because people like Mr. Singleton mentions them. And because he does, so many talented people get the credit they deserve. Thank you for making these and having such great interviewees. Please keep up the excellent work. Peace.

[@__bam]

Good interview Joe. I don't believe anyone else could have gotten more out of Mr. SIngleton. As always, I really enjoyed the show. Thank you sir.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 1515..... Merry Christmas, Joe

[@glenkepic3208]

Great ! Crazy sell. Sun singles around the house before i could walk (born in '57) Loved seeing Charlie McCoy here. Steve Miller fan forever but perhaps my fave is Number 5. Charlie for 'Goin' Up The Country" and more. Recorded in Nashville, i believe. Maybe Sun Studio :).

[@rockinredneck57]

Charlie has been playing and recording in Nashville since the early 60s. He and Wayne Moss were in a local combo then. Long before Barefoot Jerry was formed.

[@mtc4him201]

This stuff is fascinating!

[@rmelin13231]

Awesome, thanks for part 2. So many stories, so much to gather in and try to piece together and mold the music so many of us loved, and still love. Obviously Shelby was more a businessman, but it's all linked together. Almost chuckled toward the end when he said Chet was the most talented guitarist. Not that I disagree, but he had admitted that he didn't know the 'music' side of the industry. I think that says a lot about Chet, if you think about it. From an earlier comment - you may not consider yourself a 'teacher', but you are certainly the conduit between the teachers and the students. Priceless! There - I said it again. Thank you Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Okay.... thanks again Roger... Joe

[@joepalooka2145]

Fascinating as usual. But when Shelby said "Next time you come back, we'll do more"---- did you go back? If you have Part 3, I'm looking forward to it because I could listen to his amazing stories for hours. "300 sessions in a year----- sometimes 3 a day" --- and many of those some of the most famous classic recordings you can name. A very remarkable man indeed.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Joe.... I knew someone would ask this question and it was YOU!!!!! :) I did see Shelby many more times but not with a camera. Just hanging out. He had his 80th birthday party at the museum. That was a lot of fun... thanks again for watching... Merry Christmas...Joe

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ Joe Chambers you are the best, with the sweetest musical soul ever. Thankyou for your efforts in every single interview

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again SeeSee…..Joe

[@JimFothergill]

Great show!!!!

[@RichardHandal301]

Hearing these stories gives me chills.

[@garrieleepeck8753]

Beautiful speaking voice

[@ramboweed5169]

Fascinating. Thanks

[@TheRokjok]

Wow.... thanks Joe....thank you for clearing up some facts regarding Shelby/Sun Recs. Another homerun interview, Thanks for sharing this history !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Glad you enjoyed it Rokjok... merry Christmas... joe

[@TheRokjok]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Joe, hope you have a blessed Christmas

[@baneverything5580]

Thanks for what you`re doing Joe. Merry Christmas.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks BE.... joe

[@efhs1970]

Great interview Joe! I hope there may be more!💫

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Larry... no more Shelby... sorry... best, Joe

[@bradr1913]

This yt channel is all quality. I subscribe. Because I love music.

[@bradr1913]

This guys memory is off the hook.

[@billcarsonalias]

Sounds like a smart businessman.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Stanton... yes Shelby was a great businessman. Extremely smart... best, Joe

[@LameWolff]

Exactly what I was thinking. And he has that stare that could tear you down if he so desired.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

Great one Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Bass.... Joe

[@clarkewi]

One of the hidden giants of the industry. Amazing.

[@mrDCunningham]

What a cool guy. Perfect interview Joe 👍🏻😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David...Joe

[@1978garfield]

It seems amazing to me that one of the most important figures in music accidently backed in to the business. Somthing like that could happen today if you went at it by yourself but one of the major labels would never hire an industrial engineer to run a territory today.

[@Pappy04]

My father Barry(Byrd)Burton worked for Sam in the early 80’s !

[@dubdub4862]

So good! Legendary stuff!

[@TranslateToEnglish]

I'm a big fan Joe. Keep up the good work.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Larry.... best, Joe

[@barryyantis9195]

Just wonderful!

[@marcoesquandolez4737]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ericaking6299]

So cool. There is alot wisdom there. What's he up to these days? And when can i get a book? :) signed, this vagabond King kid.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Erica.... unfortunately Shelby passed away a few years ago. His brother still runs Sun here in Nashville. I don’t think Shelby wrote a book but you might check their website.... best, Joe

[@mickhamblen5333]

Wonderful 😁

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Mick... Joe

[@TheCiaP2]

What a character ☺

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Star… yes he was one of a kind. Thanks for watching …. joe

[@Odawg292002]

About a year and a half ago, thanks to a connection through one of my friends, I was invited to have lunch in Brentwood at City Cafe, with my friend singer-songwriter Jim Casey, Bob McDill, Dickey Lee, Allen Reynolds and Garth Fundis. Towards the end of lunch Jim was telling a story about Ray Stevens playing piano at Shelby Singleton's funeral, about 10 minutes later when we got up to pay our bills and leave, one of the guys noticed that John Singleton was sitting at the table behind me and went over to say hello. I felt like I had stepped in to an alternative dimension, getting to be a part of it for an afternoon. 😀

[@franksmart2484]

I went to school with Johnny Singleton from the 1st grade through high school at CE Byrd. Would like to reconnect with him one day. Didn't know Shelby had died. He was quite a few years older than Johnny. Frank M. Smart, from Shreveport, La., currently living in Columbia, Ca.

[@franksmart2484]

Shelby took Jerry Glenn Kennedy to Nashville with him when he was promoted. 1961 I think. Frank M. Smart

[@2010bigfathen]

It’s sad, all these old great passing on

[@newking70]

It would be nice if you could interview Johnny Rivers, and Emilio "Mimi" Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka from Tower of Power.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi 70... I know Johnny and have talked about him doing a interview. Hopefully soon. Best, Joe

[@deboisblanc]

What an interesting man and career!

[@colenewaltersmusicandother9330]

What brought me here , is that I have ..In mint condition , never opened Sun record album. Bill Justice raunchy. After I researched Mr. Singleton I realized that I know his ex-wife Margie ❤ I have a few other records that Have never been opened. Who can I reach out to to see if the museum has an interest in having them. I live in Hermitage Tennessee.

[@iansing5278]

thanks Joe...

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you again Ian... Joe

[@robertwillis7777]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ A 10 YES

[@tanjaemilygivens7174]

My dad was the first to record in studio B. I wish you would have questioned him about that session

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Tanja…. Thanks for watching… what was your Father’s name? Studio B CBS or Studio B RCA? Best, Joe

[@59simonh]

Part 3 please..

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi 59.... I wish we had a part three. Thanks for watching... joe

[@dennydeckerful]

I heard Shelby didn't like paying royalties. When Sam sold him Sun, he didn't sell him the old r&b, but Shelby released them over in Europe anyway. He seems very apprehensive/ thought out with his answers. I also read it was $1 million dollars that he bought Sun for with the proceeds from Harper Valley. He was right about the downloads of music back in 2004.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

I’m not fond of paying taxes either the way they are wasted. I’ve heard the million dollar figure too but I’ve never heard for sure. I do believe the money came mostly from Harper Valley PTA. Thanks for watching....Joe

[@dennydeckerful]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Royalties not taxes, Johnny Cash sued him for $500k and Charlie Rich for $2 million back in the late 70s. But I do see were Shelby pleaded guilty to income tax evasion. I'm with you Joe on hating to pay taxes and the way they are wasted. Shelby said "You're not a success in the record business unless you've been sued 10 or 12 times."

[@BigWheelHawaii]

Good God and Buddha,,,, I Love This Series

[@buzzsmith8146]

Great, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Buzz.... Joe

[@j-p.8056]

Thank you Joe. I’m wondering if Mr. Singleton was considered a union buster for not using the complete A team and bringing new musicians into the Nashville territory?

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

J.P… I never heard that. Thanks for asking..Joe

[@scottwikle7531]

Joe, I would very much like to talk to you about the circumstances around the recording of Harper Valley. I am curious if you have heard or have a copy of the original Alice Joy demo? I have had discussions with both Margie Singleton and Jeannie C. Riley and would like to set the story straight. Thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Scott… I have not heard the Alice Joy demo. All I know is Tom T.Hall wrote the song played it for Shelby. He had a secretary who wanted to be a Country music singer. That was Jeannie. That’s pretty much it in a nut shell. Thanks for watching…Joe

[@scottwikle7531]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum There is more (re:Margie Singleton), but ok. Thanks for your response.

[@AllenBarclayAllen]

Boy I wish Larkin Poe had a chance to buy this Americana music history, THEIR ONLY KEEPING IT ALIVE GOD BLESS EM..!

[@BronsonOsborne]

i will Never pay to download music period

[@MichaelMayo-yl3in]

😂😂 So nobody Asked questions why he named his label Plantation records 😂😂😂. .

[@NoCoverCharge]

this guy is probably way cooler then i think but after watching this i can just see him counting money then what the song sounded like .... but i guess that got alot of little guys played... god bless capitalism otherwise we would just have french barouqe music