During the early days of the civil rights movement, Memphis was the site of the birth of rock `n' roll thanks to rock pioneer Sam Phillips and his Sun Records recording studio in the Tennessee city. It is Phillips who guides the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis through the early years of their groundbreaking careers as they change the course of the industry with their new style of music. "Sun Records," which is based on the musical "Million Dollar Quartet," chronicles the sudden and meteoric rise of the the young artists against the backdrop of political change and social unrest. Also in the picture is carnival con man Col. Parker, a master of manipulation and publicity who helps Presley — his sole client — reach unexpected levels of success and stardom.