Preserving Sun Records' legacy: where rock and roll was born

Historic record label Sun Records produced music from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and more that were at the forefront of defining rock and roll, country and blues.

Primary Wave is a leading private music publishing and talent management company founded in January 2006. It has expanded its initial focus on music publishing and administration to include talent management, film and TV production, digital marketing, and branding. The company boasts a significant song catalog, featuring major acquisitions and represents over 1,000 Top 10 singles, including over 400 #1 hits. Primary Wave has established itself as a powerhouse in bringing one-of-a-kind ideas and services to artists and their music.

“There are many companies that have the capability to digitize older tapes, but we knew we needed the best partner to help us restore and care for the Sun Records collection. Iron Mountain Media and Archive Services has the history of success, the experts, the facilities, and the processes, but more importantly a team that is as dedicated as we at Primary Wave are, in ensuring the successful preservation of these fragile, priceless assets."

— Donna Grecco, Vice President of Creative and Assets

Situation

Sun Records, revered for its historic contributions to music by legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, faced the task of preserving its archive, some items of which were deteriorating due to mold and material degradation. Primary Wave, upon acquiring Sun Records, recognized the urgent need to safeguard and digitize this irreplaceable collection, ensuring its survival against the threats of physical decay and obscurity to make it accessible for future generations.

Solution

Iron Mountain Media and Archive Services carefully organized the collection into two custom-equipped, climate-controlled vaults. They combated physical degradation and mold contamination using advanced remediation techniques and digitized the master recordings to both preserve and enhance access to these musical treasures. This comprehensive approach not only ensured the collection's safety and accessibility but also prepared it for broader use and appreciation in digital formats.

Client Value

In October 2022 Primary Wave will celebrate Sun Records’ 70th anniversary and pay homage to the innovative artists and industry professionals who helped shape and transform music in the 20th century and beyond.