What is Sam Phillips Net Worth?
$5 Million.
Sam Phillips (January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003) was an American record producer and the founder of Sun Records and Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. As of 2023, Sam Phillips net worth is $5 million.
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Name | Sam Phillips |
| Birth Date | 5 January 1923 |
| Age | 80 Years ( Died on 2003) |
| Profession | Record producer |
| Update | 2023 |
He is best known for discovering and recording Elvis Presley, as well as other major figures of rock and roll, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Howlin’ Wolf.
In this article, we will talk about Sam Phillips biography, family, career, net worth & many more. So, let’s start!
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Sam Phillips Biography/Wiki: Early Life & Education
Sam Phillips was born on January 5, 1923, on a 200-acre farm near Florence, Alabama. He was the youngest of eight children born to Charles Tucker Phillips and Madge Ella (née Lovelace) Phillips. He passed away on 30 July, 2003 at the age of 80. He died of respiratory failure at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
He belongs to the American nationality and believes in the Christian religion. His ethnicity is white and zodiac sign is Capricorn.
His parents owned their farm, though it was mortgaged.He grew up helping his parents harvest cotton in the fields among other black workers. The young Phillips was profoundly affected by the sight of black farmworkers singing in the fields.
Phillips attended Florence’s Coffee High School, which is no longer in operation. He wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer and led the school band. The Great Depression forced his father into bankruptcy, and after he passed away in 1941, Phillips had to drop out of high school in order to care for his mother and aunt. He first worked in a funeral home, then a grocery store, to help support the family.
In 1945, Phillips moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He got a job at a radio station, WHER, where he played a mix of black and white music. He was fascinated by the music of the black community, and he began to dream of creating a record label that would bridge the gap between black and white music.
Physical Appearance: Height, Weight & Body Measurements
Phillip’s height is 5 feet 9 inches ( 1.75 m) & weight is 75 kg (165 lbs). His body measurements are not public but from different sources his body measurements are 40-32-14 inches. His eye color is brown and his hair color is blonde. His sexual orientation was straight.
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches ( 1.75 m) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| HairColor | Blonde |
| Body Measurements | 40-32-14 |
Family, Personal Life & Relationship
Sam’s parents are Charles Tucker Phillips and Madge Ella Phillips and he has 7 siblings. Phillips lived in Florence, Alabama during his young age with his parents and siblings.
Sam Phillips got married two times. His first spouse was Rebecca “Becky” Burns, whom he met in 1942 while both were employees at Sheffield, Alabama’s WLAY radio station. They had two sons together, named Knox and Jerry. Sadly, Becky passed away in 1963.
| Father’s Name | Charles Tucker Phillips |
| Mother’s Name | Madge Ella Phillips |
| Siblings | 7 |
| Marital Status | Yes |
| Wife | Rebecca “Becky” Burns & Joanne Phillips |
| Children | Yes |
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After that, Sam married his second wife, Joanne Phillips (formerly Cotten), in 1965. They didn’t have any children together. Joanne also passed away in 2003, a few months after Sam’s death.
Sam Phillips didn’t talk much about his personal life, as he liked to keep it private. However, he was known as a loving husband and father. He was also close friends with many of the musicians he recorded, like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins.
Sam Phillips Net Worth & Career
Sam Phillips’ estimated net worth at the time of his passing was approximately $5 million. However, it’s important to recognize that this figure is based on various sources, and the actual value of his wealth could have been either higher or lower.
During his career as a record producer spanning more than two decades, Phillips played a pivotal role in recording some of the most iconic music of the 20th century.
He is credited with discovering and signing legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Howlin’ Wolf, among others. These musicians went on to achieve global stardom and significantly shaped the landscape of rock and roll.
Sam Phillips’ legacy is profound. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and roll, and his impact on the music industry endures to this day. His net worth, while notable, only represents a fraction of his immense contribution to popular culture.
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Here are some key highlights from Sam Phillips’ career:
- Founded Sun Records in 1952.
- Recorded and produced music for seminal artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Howlin’ Wolf.
- Contributed to the development of the rockabilly sound.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Honored with induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Sam Phillips stands as a true pioneer of rock and roll, and his enduring influence continues to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts today.
Facts & Trivia
- He was born in Florence, Alabama, on January 5, 1923.
- He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1945.
- He opened Sun Records in 1952.
- He recorded Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Howlin’ Wolf.
- He helped to develop the sound of rockabilly.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- He was a fan of both black and white music, and he wanted to create a record label that would bridge the gap between the two.
- He was known for his ability to find and develop talent. He would often go to local clubs and listen to musicians play. If he heard someone he liked, he would offer them a contract.
- He was a risk-taker. He was not afraid to sign new and untested artists.
- He was a visionary. He had a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve with Sun Records, and he was willing to work hard to make it happen.
- He was a generous man. He donated money to many causes, including the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- He died on July 30, 2003, at the age of 80.
Awards & Achievements
Sam Phillips received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a record producer and for his contributions to the development of rock and roll. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- He received a non-performer induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- He was admitted to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1987.
- He was given a Grammy Trustees Award in 1991 for his career accomplishments.
- He was admitted to the Blues Hall of Fame in 1998.
- He was admitted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
- He was included in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame’s first class of inductees in 2012.
Phillips was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Memphis and Rhodes College.
In addition to these awards, Phillips was also recognized by the United States government for his contributions to American culture. In 1995, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton.
Conclusion
Sam Phillips was a true pioneer of rock and roll. He was a visionary producer who had a keen ear for talent. He was also a risk-taker who was not afraid to sign new and untested artists. His contributions to the genre are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today. Thanks for reading this article.
FAQs
Who was Sam Phillips?
Sam Phillips was an American record producer and the founder of Sun Records. He played a significant role in the early development of rock and roll music.
What is Sam Phillips best known for?
Sam Phillips is best known for discovering and recording legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Howlin’ Wolf, among others, at his Sun Records studio.
When and where was Sam Phillips born?
Sam Phillips was born on January 5, 1923, in Florence, Alabama, United States.
When did Sam Phillips pass away?
Sam Phillips passed away on July 30, 2003, in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
What is Sam Phillips’ contribution to rock and roll?
Sam Phillips is credited with helping to shape the sound of early rock and roll through his pioneering work as a record producer and his discovery of several iconic rock and roll artists.
Sam Phillips was not related to Elvis Presley. However, he played a crucial role in launching Presley’s career by signing him to Sun Records and recording his early music.
What awards and honors did Sam Phillips receive during his career?
Sam Phillips was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2012 in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry.
What was Sam Phillips’ net worth at the time of his death?
Sam Phillips’ estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $5 million. However, the actual figure may vary based on different sources and factors.
