Samuel Cornelius “Sam” Phillips (January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003) was an American record producer who played an important role in the development of rock and roll during the 1950s. He was the founder of Sun Records and Sun Studios, where he produced music by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Howlin’ Wolf. His success culminated in his launching of Elvis Presley’s career in 1954.
Phillips sold Sun in 1969 to Shelby Singleton. He was an early investor in the Holiday Inn chain of hotels. He advocated racial equality and helped break down racial barriers in the music industry.