Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee

Opened in 1950 by rock & roll pioneer Sam Phillips, Sun Studio is an iconic Memphis, Tennessee landmark. Originally known as the Memphis Recording Service, the building was also shared by Phillips' independent Sun Records label. Sun was the first company to record Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash, earning this small studio its legendary status for rock & roll, country, rockabilly, and blues fans around the globe.

Touring this studio, not unlike Motown in Detroit or FAME in Muscle Shoals, you're instantly overwhelmed by the history connected to such an unassuming space. To stand where Elvis, and numerous others, recorded their first singles makes the early days of rock & roll look so humble. And yet, you only need to drive a few miles to Graceland to see what a difference a few decades made. Memphis's Sun Studio is an incredible slice of music history to explore.  

"Million Dollar Quartet". An impromptu jam session broke out between Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash at Sun Studio on December 4, 1956. Often noted as a seminal moment in rock & roll history, the session was recorded and captured four artists together who were radically changing the landscape of popular music in the 1950s.

Inside the iconic studio.

Front office of Sun Studio.

Hiking To The Top of Medicine Hat's Cliffs

For years I've thought about doing this hike, but the truth is that despite being incredibly visible, these cliffs overlooking Police Point Park and the South Saskatchewan River aren't exactly the easiest place to get to in Medicine Hat, Alberta. There are giant gaps, coulees, fences, no trespassing signs, and no actual trails that lead here. But, when you've documented almost every other view in your hometown, you do what needs to be done. The extra effort proved to be worth the reward as I don't know that there's a more impressive place to see Medicine Hat from.

Vintage Calgary Stampede Posters

From the colours and fonts to the varying depictions of western culture, there are some real gems in this vintage collection of posters from the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta.