The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
Elvis’ Sun 45s are highly collectible, yet the Sun releases in 78 RPM format are even more rare and desirable due to their scarcity. Rumors have been told throughout the years that the shortage of 78s available was due to the fact that Sam Phillips’ brother Tom, who ran the back warehouse where stacks of the 78s were stored, allowed an overseas collector into the space and that collector was so overtaken at the sheer quantity that he fell into the stacks, causing a vast amount of irreplaceable damage. Another anecdote explaining the scarce amount of 78s was that Tom Phillips would give away enormous quantities to county fairs who would use them as targets in the carnival games, hanging them from strings so customers could toss balls at them in an attempt to break them to smithereens. While we may never know the true story, the fact remains that the Elvis Sun 78s are highly sought after for their rarity and superior sound quality. Offered is a group of four (4) Sun 78s that includes four of Elvis’ first five singles: 1954 Sun 209 “That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky”; 1954 Sun 210 “Good Rockin’ Tonight/I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine”; 1955 Sun 217 “Baby Let’s Play House/I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone”; and 1955 Sun 223 “Mystery Train/I Forgot to Remember to Forget.” The offered records have some even rarer and less seen variations with “Scotty and Bill” only listed on the “Good Rockin’ Tonight” side of 210, and 217 having smaller print on the label. The 78 RPM records each measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter. The set is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
209-VG condition with many small and a few more significant scratches; 210-GD+ condition with many scratches and significant scuffing; 217-GD+ condition with many scratches and significant scuffing; 223-GD condition with significant scuffing and scratches and a chipped area on the outer edge that does not intrude into the song.