About this season
The untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner, and changed the course of music forever.
Episodes (8)
1. 706 Union
6.0Aired 23 February 2017 • 42 min
Sam Phillips moves his family to Memphis to open a recording studio to look for his first hit musical act, but instead rekindles a steamy affair. Young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash struggle at home.
2. Outta the Groove
6.0Aired 2 March 2017
Sam records B.B. King, but his new label struggles. Elvis is inspired by African-American music, but is chastised by his family and girlfriend for crossing racial lines. We meet cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.
3. Record Man Blues
Aired 9 March 2017
Sam can’t find the follow-up hit to Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88.” Colonel Tom Parker’s conniving ways are exposed. Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart have their eye on the same girl.
4. Never Better
1.0Aired 16 March 2017
Sam's worsening anxiety attacks lead to a radical new medical procedure. Elvis tries to win Trixie back. Overseas, Johnny Cash makes a decision that will affect his girlfriend back home
5. Rising Sun
Aired 23 March 2017
Sam finds another hit with Johnny Bragg and The Prisonaires. Becky makes a surprising announcement. Elvis enlists Sam to help him record a song for his mother. Johnny takes his relationship with Vivian to the next phase.
6. Who They Were Meant to Be
Aired 30 March 2017
Sam and Marion take Elvis on the road to promote "Blue Moon,”. Colonel Tom Parker pays a heavy price for his gambling, while Jerry Lee tries to stay on the straight and narrow in his new married life.
7. No Favors Here
Aired 6 April 2017
Elvis gets his first taste of fame when he starts playing live shows. Colonel Tom Parker scams his way out of debt and eyes an opportunity with Elvis. Johnny returns from.
8. Finishing School
Aired 13 April 2017 • 60 min
Colonel Tom Parker presses to take over Elvis' career, but Sam struggles with the decision to let his star go. Jerry Lee's philandering catches up with him. Johnny starts his own band.