Media Advisory

Senators Frist and Alexander to Join
Secretary Norton in Signing Ceremony to Designate Memphis Rock-and-Roll Studio
as National Historic Landmark, July 31

Norton will announce the approval
of 17 other historic landmarks in 12 states

WASHINGTON--Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton will be accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Senator Lamar Alexander in a signing ceremony to designate Sun Records, a Memphis, Tenn., recording studio as a National Historic Landmark. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, July 31, at 3 p.m., at the U.S. Capitol in Rm. S-211 (The LBJ Room).

The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest recognition accorded by our nation to historic properties. They are places where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, as the nation took shape. They provide important information about our past.

Sun Records is considered by many as the home of the blues and is also known as the first great rock-and-roll record label. The small Memphis studio produced recordings for musical giants, such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Howlin Wolf, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, and many other notable singers, musicians and groups.

Secretary Norton will also announce the approval of 17 other sites in 12 states that have been approved for designation as National Historic Landmarks.

Who:Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton
          Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
          Senator Lamar Alexander
          Business Manager of Sun Records John Schorr

What: National Historic Landmark Signing Ceremony

When: Wednesday, July 31, 2003, at 3 p.m.

Where: U.S. Capitol
               Rm. S-211 (The LBJ Room)
               Washington, D.C.