Ep 6. Who They Were Meant To Be

In the sixth episode of Sun Records season 1, titled "Who They Were Meant To Be," the show continues to explore the rise of Memphis music in the 1950s. This time, the episode centers around the relationships between the various characters, both personal and professional.

The episode begins with Ike Turner and his band, The Kings of Rhythm, arriving at the Sun studio to record some songs. However, things quickly take a turn when Ike's girlfriend and lead singer, Jackie Brenston, insists that they record a song she wrote called "Rocket 88." This leads to a heated argument between Ike and the Sun Records team, as they debate who owns the rights to the song.

Meanwhile, Sam Phillips is dealing with his own personal problems. His wife, Becky, is struggling with her mental health and Sam must make the difficult decision to commit her to a psychiatric hospital. This puts a strain on their marriage and Sam finds solace in spending time with Marion Keisker, his close friend and confidante.

Elsewhere, Elvis Presley is struggling to find his place in the music industry. He is frustrated with his lack of success and feels overshadowed by other performers, such as Johnny Cash. However, he finds inspiration in his girlfriend, Dixie Locke, who encourages him to be true to himself and to never give up on his dreams.

Throughout the episode, there are a number of musical performances, both in the studio and on stage. The highlight of the episode is a performance by Jackie Brenston and The Kings of Rhythm, during which they play "Rocket 88" to a packed crowd. This not only leads to a breakthrough for the band, but also helps to popularize the rock and roll genre.

Overall, "Who They Were Meant To Be" is a powerful episode that delves into the personal and professional lives of the characters. It showcases the struggles and triumphs of the artists, as they navigate the rapidly changing music industry. The strong performances, both musically and acting-wise, make this a standout episode of the season.