Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, survives by being more than just a shrine to the birth of rock & roll. The hallowed site to American music is a soda and souvenir shop, entertaining history lesson, and working recording studio after the tourists go home.

First off, everyone who works there is genuinely enthusiastic. Brazilian-born Claudia is a celebrity on Trip Advisor for the passion that she brings to her tours. She often drifts from the scripted history lesson to include personal anecdotes.

It is nothing short of a miracle that the original studio survives. Sam Phillips moved his business to fancier digs after he recorded Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88,” Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. The building was subsequently used by a plumber, auto-parts dealer, and barber.

Credit: Photos by Gerald E. McLeod

When Sun Studio reopened in 1987, the upstairs area became a first-class history museum. The tour guides provide a compelling overview and timeline of Memphis music.

Somehow the unique acoustics of the original studio were largely undisturbed, and it continues to be used by recording artists. It’s said that Bob Dylan kissed the black “X” on the floor where Elvis recorded “That’s All Right,” and so can you at the end of the tour.

Sun Studio is on the north side of downtown Memphis at 706 Union Ave. The museum is open daily from 10am-6pm with tours on the half hour. For more information, call 800/441-6249 or go to www.sunstudio.com.

1,257th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips,” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.

This article appears in August 28 • 2015.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.