Million Dollar Quartet – Musical History Comes To Life

I recently attended the Million Dollar Quartet at Proctor's Theater in Schenectady, New York. The show was everything I expected: great music, good stories, and a nostalgic journey to the early days of the music business.

Although I wish the show had a set change or two, the actors did a great job capturing the spirit of each Sun Records legend. After the show I got thinking of a few things that I learned by watching the Million Dollar Quartet. I'd like to share the top 5 musical facts that impressed me during the show.

5. Sam Phillips sold Elvis Presley's contract to RCA to help keep Sun Records in business.

4. Carl Perkins was bitter over Elvis Presley covering, and eventually overshadowing, his own self penned hit 'Blue Suede Shoes.'

3. Johnny Cash seemed to be the most level headed of the four, but was hesitant and heartbroken when he made the decision to leave Sun for Columbia Records to further his career.

2. RCA courted Sam Phillips to leave his independent record company to work for their national offices. Although offering Phillips the chance to work with Elvis again, Phillips declined to keep his little studio of Rock and Roll magic alive.

1. Jerry Lee Lewis was crazy! (in a good way?)

Did you see the Million Dollar Quartet? What did you think? Please leave your comments below.