Ep 3. Record Man Blues

In the third episode of Sun Records, we see the rise of the young Elvis Presley as Sam Phillips continues his search for the next big thing in music. As Phillips urges his artists to create new sounds, he also struggles to maintain his relationships with them and keep his record label running smoothly.

The episode opens with a frustrated Sam Phillips trying to find his footing in the music industry. He's struggling to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the market and is desperately searching for a new sound that will bring him success. Meanwhile, his artists are beginning to feel left behind as they watch others hit it big.

Sam's attention turns to the young Elvis Presley, whose natural talent and stage presence leave him convinced that Elvis is the one. However, Elvis is still struggling to find his own style, and Sam fears that he might be too similar to other artists on the market. In an effort to help Elvis stand out, Sam urges him to start writing his own music and try something new.

As Elvis experiments with different sounds and styles, tensions continue to rise between Sam and his other artists, who are feeling increasingly neglected and frustrated. Some, like Johnny Cash, feel like they're not getting their fair share of attention and resources, while others, like Ike Turner, are growing increasingly angry at Sam's tough love approach to managing his label.

Despite these challenges, Sam remains determined to make his mark on the music industry. He's convinced that if he can just find the right combination of talent, creativity, and marketing power, he can create something truly special. But as he struggles to keep his artists happy and his label successful, he's forced to confront some hard truths about the realities of the music business.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the passion and excitement that brought Sam and his artists together in the first place. We watch as they pour their hearts and souls into their music, seeking to create something that will truly stand the test of time. But we also see the darker side of the industry, with its backroom deals, cutthroat competition, and heartbreaking betrayals.

In the end, Sam must make a difficult choice: to continue pursuing his vision at all costs, or to let go of his dreams and focus on what really matters - the people he loves and the music they create together. As the episode draws to a close, we're left wondering what the future holds for Sam, his artists, and the world of music they've all worked so hard to build.