Sun Records (2017) s01e03 Episode Script
Record Man Blues
1 Previously on Sun Records.
(EXCLAIMING) Hello, I'm JR Cash.
If we don't hear it all across the dial, we'll go back to the old deal.
But if Eddy is all over the radio, you match Columbia's offer.
That was Trixie's daddy.
He seen a boy lookin' just like Elvis comin' out of a colored church.
ELVIS: I was just listenin' to the preachin', the singin'.
We'll show Joe damn Bihari how to sell records, boy.
How many records we should press up, huh? - 5000? - Returns.
They're all coming back.
Ah! (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) (WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) Aye, fraeulein, I'm right here! Thank you.
Here we go.
(WOMAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) Those Krauts sure know how to put it away.
(LAUGHING) Yeah, if the war had been a drinking contest, we'd have lost.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, blue boys.
But we had Prohibition, we got outta practice.
Nobody out of practice where we come from.
I bet your sister looks mighty pretty - after you had a few.
- Uh-huh.
Yeah, yeah.
Heya, Helga.
How you doin'? We'll take a couple of those.
Ah, she's busy at the moment.
Do "The Thang".
That'll get her attention.
Oh, Helga, Helga.
Uh, my beautiful fraeulein, hello.
Did you want him to do "The Thang"? Come on, get him to do it.
Come on.
Do "The Thang.
" No, I don't wanna do it.
Do it? Do what? Uh "The Thang".
Hell, if he won't do it.
I'll do it.
I'm not puttin' on the Lederhosen.
But what thing? What are you dense, guinea? "The Thang"! Listen, you possum eating swamp dog, - I've had enough of your guff.
- Oh, you like that? (GRUNTS) - (SPEAKS IN GERMAN) - Ooh! Ah! Miss Fraulein, it's Okay, okay.
Fine, fine.
That really hurt.
Helga.
JOHNNY: While I was walkin' down the beach One bright and sunny day, I saw a great big wooden box a-floatin' in the bay I pulled it in and opened it up and much to my surprise - I discovered a - (STOMPS) Right before my eyes - Ooh, I discovered a - (ALL STOMP) - Right before my eyes - Now that's "The Thang".
(BAND PLAYING) I picked it up and ran to town as happy as a king I brought it to a guy I knew who'd buy most anything But this is what he hollered at me as I ran in his shop Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - Before I call the cop Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - Before I call the cop I turned around and got right out, A-runnin' for my life And then I took it home with me To give it to my wife But this is what she hollered at me As I walked in the door Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - And don't come back no more Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - And don't come back no more (ALL CHEER AND APPLAUD) Southern charm, boys.
Works every time.
JOHNNY: Thank you.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYS) Come on over baby Whole lotta shakin' goin' on Yes, I said come on over baby Baby you can't go wrong We ain't fakin' Whole lotta shakin' goin' on Whoo-hoo! Colonel Parker.
I have an appointment.
Come on over.
Luck should be your middle name.
- And bad should be your first.
- (CHUCKLES) I've been coming here so much to collect from you.
(LAUGHS) Should make me a member.
I have lock cinch.
Green Machine.
Fifth race, Churchill Down.
Where's my $500? You hard of hearin'? You ask me, God's usin' you for miracle practice.
I'll take the action, but he'd better come through for ya or tell ya someplace to hide where I can't find you.
You lose, it will not be pretty.
(RECORD PLAYING) Check this Mmm.
- Bihari's gonna love it.
- Whoa.
It's kickin' all right.
Mmm-hmm.
Mr.
Bihari's secretary says he told you he'll call back.
(MUSIC STOPS) B, do me favor.
Tell Mr.
Bihari you're calling.
Uh, hello, it's the Blues Boy for Mr.
Bihari.
Yessum, I'll hold.
When you get him, uh, I'll jump on, tell him I heard you two talking.
Yessum, I surely will.
(TELEPHONE CLICKS) Mr.
Bihari says to tell you that he told you he will call you back soon as he can.
- Man! - (LAUGHS) Hey.
Smoke break's over.
Time is money.
All right.
Let's lay down Homesick.
Homesick.
(CHUCKLES) SAM: B.
Talk into the mic.
How you been, Mr.
Phillips? Huh.
Tell you the truth, B, I been better.
I got bills piled a mile high.
Can't sleep at night.
A wife who deserves better than she's got and my kid needs a new pair of shoes.
Nothing a hit record wouldn't cure.
A hit record ain't what I got.
(PLAYING GUITAR) Can't get a break to save my life Cryin' and my wife don't care And even God ain't harkin' to my prayer - Got the record man blues - (WHISPERS) Dewey, come here.
Come here.
- Can't buy my baby no shoes - Come here.
(LAUGHS) Thanks, B.
That was a nice touch.
Dewey, how about talking to your station manager about hiring me on part-time.
Just to tide us over.
Don't think we need any secretaries at the moment.
(SCOFFS) I read copy on the air.
Two years at WLAC Nashville.
Yeah, my station manager he Well, he don't like me much.
(SCOFFS) Just ask, okay.
For me.
(SIGHS) Well, now that you mention it, Leanne, gal who runs our society page, she's havin' a baby.
All right, come on by, I'll introduce you to boss man.
No promises, you hear? - (TELEPHONE RINGS) - (SIGHS) B, give me a moment.
BIHARI: Phillips.
Bihari.
Man, did you get the demos I sent you, man, this is all that hep stuff blastin' out of Beale Street.
Not none of it? - Yeah.
- (SIGHS) I will.
- Thank you.
- (PHONE SLAMS) Damn, my main man Sam, He's got the record man blues - Every meal is gone done here Jimmy.
- Every truth will be - Whew! Ain't she something.
Come on.
Every soul You know it's fate (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) All right now.
Hold my legs.
- (GROANS) - (POT CRASHES) You didn't have to push so hard.
Utter not damnation within the house of the Lord.
You made that up.
But the Lord put it in my head.
What did you say? The Lord placed it in my head.
Oh.
Oh, hang on.
I'm, I'm feeling somethin' else.
What? Leave alone the loose women young Jerry Lee.
(JERRY CHUCKLES) Darken not the door of thy juke joints, and spill not they seed upon the ground.
Well, you preach it, Jimmy.
I'll play it.
Yeah.
I'm telling you to leave 'em alone, Jerry.
Leave alone thy loose women.
What in God's name are you two heathens doing in here? Feeling the spirit of the Lord, Brother Sutter.
That's all.
Just don't go too hard on him now, preacher.
He's only trying to bring a poor sinner home.
I'd better see you boys back here on Sunday ready to repent.
With coins a-tickling in that offering plate.
- Yes, sir.
- You can be sure of it, Preacher.
Good Lord loves a cheerful giver.
(GRUNTING) Hey, y'all best be straightenin' yourselves up.
If we don't look all professional like, we ain't gonna ace this deal.
I'll be right with you folks.
(MEN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) Looky there, Leon.
That buck think he's a cock of the walk.
LEON: Yes, sir.
Looks like he sure thinks he's something.
Leon.
WILLIE: Struttin' around like he belong here.
- Hey, Dewey, you see this? - WILLIE: But he don't.
LEON: No.
sir.
We got laws here, boy.
What you jungle bunnies doin' on this here side of town? We come to make a hit record.
Only hit you gonna get is upside your head if you don't get your black ass out of here right smart.
I got a right to be here just much as Excuse me, boy? Willie.
Leon.
It's a mighty fine day.
Sam, you know coloreds ain't allowed around here.
- Mmm-hmm.
- Customers are customers.
So you making records for niggers over here now? 'Cause that ain't good for my business.
No, sir.
Aw, you'd sell these fine fellows a Caddy now, wouldn't ya? Well, come on, now.
Jiggaboos in a Cadillac.
(CHUCKLES) Naw, see.
Ain't y'all heard the news? We all God's people.
We are.
But God meant for them people to be over there.
Mmm-hmm.
And us people ought to be over here.
Yeah.
Yeah, but I bet you do like you some watermelon, huh? Yeah, same as me.
Which is same as them.
Uh-oh.
Looks like little Willie just shrunk up, boy.
(LAUGHS) Well, he do got you there, Willie.
I mean, 'cause you do love you some watermelon.
Leon, don't you got work to do? From now on, Sam, coloreds use the back door.
- You hear? - - SAM: Mmm-hmm.
You coloreds just use the back door.
Good to see you, Willie.
(WILLIE SCOFFS) Jackasses.
Yeah, crazy world, cuz.
Catch you on the flipside.
Fellows, lookin' sharp.
Now, what can I do for you gentlemen? Well, I'm Ike Turner.
This here's the Kings of Rhythm.
Hottest thing in the Delta.
Whoo-ee.
Well, if you say so.
398 buys you studio time and one copy of your session.
$3 and 98 cents.
(SCOFFS) We got that.
Well it's pay to play.
We don't have that kind of money.
We just drove all the way from Clarksdale.
Borrowed auntie's car and everything.
Now I got bills just like you fellas.
Now, remember, a customer's a customer.
But you don't pay, you don't play.
Oh, I'm gonna play.
And you'll be glad I did.
Just gotta find me a way.
All right.
I'll be right here when you do.
Man, where are we gonna come up with the money? (DOOR CLOSES) I got it.
Let's go.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) (PIANO PLAYING) Maybe we could hock somethin'.
If we had anything worth hocking, we'd have hocked it already.
Hey, I'd be right back.
I got an idea.
(PIANO PLAYING) - Hey, baby, remember me? - Yeah.
You the liar that said he was gonna make me a singer - and then his wife.
- Liar? How you know I didn't come here to propose? 'Cause I read my horrible-scope, and it said that a lyin' snake of a man is gonna come slitherin' through that door today.
I'm here to make good on my promise.
Not the marrying part yet.
But the singing part.
I'm here to offer you a job.
Wanda got a job.
And paying customers.
And if you ain't one of them, you need to get the hell out.
Never mind that.
I'm on the level.
Me and The Kings of Rhythm are looking for a queen to sing with us on a record.
Oh, yeah? What's the catch? Ain't no catch.
This here's the genuine deal.
Memphis Recording Studios.
We're all kickin' in four bucks.
That's the catch.
Looks like my horrible-scope was right again.
Get lost.
BOSS: Hey, come back here! (YELLS) Get my gun.
Hey.
Start the car.
Start the damn car! (INDISTINCT YELLING) (HONKING) (GUNSHOT) Get outta here! (TIRES SCREECHING) - (INDISTINCT RADIO CONVERSATION) How many times you gonna read that letter? They're showing a movie in the mess hall.
Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison.
I don't need no movie to tell me about prison.
I'm counting the days till I'm sprung.
Suit yourself.
See ya.
Oh I'm stuck in Folsom Prison, And time keeps dragging on (WHISPERS) Trixie Trixie.
Elvis Presley, what in tarnation are you doin' here? My Daddy will shoot you dead as night if he sees you in here.
Now hear me out, Trix.
Now your daddy well, he, he called my daddy.
Yeah, for being at the colored church.
Can you blame him? Uh, no, but I wasn't doing anything wrong.
You see, I, I was just listening to the choir music is all.
And what's wrong with the music at First Baptist? (SIGHS) Nothing, I mean, it's, it's nice and all, but But? It just comes out of your mouth.
Well where else is it suppose to come from? Here.
It's about feeling it, Trix.
I mean, it's in the way they sing it, it makes you shudder and shake right down to your toes.
I don't understand.
(SIGHS) I'm not sure I do either.
It's kind of hard to explain, I guess.
And it ain't just that church music.
Here, listen.
(RADIO STATIC) Get your engine flaming' with the lovin' machine (LAUGHS) See right there.
(LAUGHS) I mean, that's what I'm talking about.
I dream of making music like that someday.
Yes it's real gone Hand you my lovin'.
You know what I mean MR.
DEAN: Trixie May? - (GASPS) Go.
- What's going on there? - Go, go, go, go! - I'm comin' up.
Hurry.
- I'll show you what I mean .
- Trixie.
Well I just got wise and built me a lovin' machine Who you talking to? It's just the radio, daddy.
It's music like that makes good girls go bad.
Turn it off.
Turn it off.
(MUSIC STOPS) You're grounded, you hear me? (DOOR CLOSES) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) MAN: Thank you, mam.
Enjoy the show.
KID: Lemonade! Get your lemonade here.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Hey, boy.
How we doin'? In this heat? (SCOFFS) We're gonna run out fast.
Good.
And the fans? Not sellin' so well.
Watch and learn, my dubious one.
Hand me a fan.
(CLEARS THROAT) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)) Madam, may I? It's hotter than Memphis ass farm in here today.
A gift from Eddy Arnold for you, on this sweltering day.
Pleasure.
Fans available for a modest price.
(INDISTINCT YELLING) Don't dawdle, boy.
Attend to them.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) MAN: We are ready in two minutes.
All right, I will let him know.
You were supposed to be on 10 minutes ago.
What the hell's he doing out there? Makin' 'em sweat.
The hotter they get, the more lemonade he sells.
That's why I love him.
All right, you boys ready to give these folks a good show, huh? Whoo-wee.
Lookin' sharp.
Lookin' sharp.
(INAUDIBLE) Whoo! Show time! (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) (BAND PLAYS MUSIC) Doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee Ooh, doo, doo doo, ooh doo doo Doo doo doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee (YODELING) The cattle are prowlin', the coyotes are howlin' Out where the doggies bawl Where spurs are a-jinglin' a cowboy is singin His lonesome cattle call.
Doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee Ooh, doo, doo doo, ooh doo doo Doo doo doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee (YODELING) The local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy met Monday in the home of Mrs.
J.
W.
Gilmer.
Mrs.
Gilmer's niece Mary Catherine delighted with a beautiful rendition of Jesus Loves.
A fine time was had by all.
This is Scarlett O'Connor Peabody, ladies, reminding you-all to mind your manners and always speak your mind.
Uh, you certainly have a beautiful voice.
Thank you.
At ease, dodo.
Well, job is yours if you want it.
Why thank you, Earle.
I appreciate that.
It's hard to imagine a lady like you being referred by somebody like Dewey.
(LAUGHS) Well, I don't know if that's good or bad, but he always says the nicest things about you.
- He does? - Always.
Huh.
Welcome aboard.
And I do promise to mind my manners.
- (CHUCKLES) - And to always speak my mind.
Good.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Thank you.
(TIRES SCREECHING) You get 'em? Oh, I got 'em all right.
I don't know if this was such a good idea.
Let's just hit the road, cuz.
"Lust not after her beauty in thine heart" "neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
" Proverbs 625.
Well, believe me cuz, it ain't her eyelids that are takin' me right now.
(SCOFFS) You're really lewd.
Your intentions are solely lustful, sinful exploitations.
Well, you're talking out of the side of your mouth if you hadn't brought your own Daddy's car.
Whoa.
Lookey here.
Wow-wee.
(TIRES SCREECHING) Oh.
Jimmy.
I've got $20 left after rent.
I'm puttin' this in the account.
You can pay me back from the next Arkansas Electric session.
Marion, I don't want you put And what are you doin'? It was just a little pick me up is all (SIGHS) I didn't sleep a wink last night.
(SIGHS) (KNOCKING) Four dollars.
And you can keep the change.
Two cents? Not a big tipper, but a paying customer.
Hmm.
I hope you good and rested, Mr.
Record Man, 'cause the Kings Rhythm 'bout to knock your socks off.
Uh (INDISTINCT DIALOGUE) All right, are you ready? (BAND PLAYING) - (DISTORTED PIANO SOUND) - Whoa! - Man, what is that? - Amp's sound is busted.
Son of a gun, busted up but real bad.
And I still owes money on it.
Man, it took a hit a buckshot.
How we gonna make a hit record with no damn amp? MAN: Yeah, come on, y'all.
You got an amp.
It's fine.
I can work with the sound.
All right, let's see what you got.
One, two (UPBEAT RHYTHM AND BLUES SONG PLAYS) You could at least listen.
Mmm-hmm.
You know, Marion, I was thinking.
We should trip down to Nawlins, check out what's going on in the quarter, you know, the Paddock Lounge, places like that.
movin' all along Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Now hold up.
Huh.
That song ain't half bad.
And that amp, now I ain't never heard nothing like it.
I like it.
Ike, you're a hell of piano man.
(CHUCKLES) Well, thank you, Mr.
Phillips.
But I ain't gonna jive you.
You can't sing for crap.
- (LAUGHTER) - (DRUM BEAT) Man, we've been tryin' to tell him that for two years, man.
MAN: Uh, for three years.
- (LAUGHTER) - Go ahead and laugh, fool.
I'm takin' this here four dollars out of your pay.
- You're pay.
Laugh on that.
- Ooh.
You don't want that.
All right, all right, all right, all right, look, there's five of you cats.
One of you fellows gotta be able to sing a lick.
Huh? You want to give it a shot? Drummer man? IKE: All right.
Drummer man.
You women have heard of jalopies, You heard the noise they make Let me introduce my new All right.
Man? Guitar man? - What's up? - It's my time to shine, boy.
Watch this.
You women have heard of jalopies - Heard the noise they ma - Whoa, whoa, whoa! (LAUGHS) Okay.
Sorry, boys.
Ike, you're back on it.
Like a dope.
Maybe we should be focusing on our core business.
At least until we get out of debt.
You women have heard of jalopies You've heard the noise they make, Well let me introduce my new Rocket 88 Yeah, she's great just won't wait Everybody likes my Rocket 88 Baby we'll ride in style movin' all along - Whoa! - (MUSIC STOPS) What's your name, son? Jackie Brenston.
Well, Jackie.
Looks like you just got yourself a promotion.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) All right, boys.
Let's take it from the top.
You women have heard of jalopies You've heard the noise they make, Let me introduce my new Rocket 88 Jumpin' Jehosofat! That's our hit! Hoo! Marion, get me a contract.
I want to sign 'em up now.
Whoa, easy there, big fella.
Too much enthusiasm from you gives them an edge.
Play it cool.
I don't know no other way.
(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) V-eight motor, it's modern design Black convertible top and the girls don't mind Sportin' with me riding all around town for joy Fellas.
You're uneven in spots, but not half bad.
Of course, I am not promising nothing, but I figured I'd go ahead and take a chance on you boys, sign you up, see if we can't get some interest in your sound.
- Well, all right, I like that.
- Thank you, Mr.
Phillip.
No, sir.
That's not our sound.
The Kings of Rhythm has Ike Turner singin' up front, not Jackie damn Brenston.
That's how you feel? Well why don't you change the group name on this record, then Ike you can have two sounds.
Well, there's an idea.
How about we call you the Clarksdale Cats? Na.
Clarksdale Cats? What are we All right.
All right.
All right.
Delta Dogs? Hey, do, do I look like a dog? (CHUCKLES) Wait, no, I got it.
The Delta Cats.
Delta Cats.
I like that.
That's, that's the one.
Man, that ain't no kind of nothin' name.
I paid four of my own hard earned dollars to record Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm.
Stolen dollars.
Don't mean I didn't work to get 'em.
- Well - MAN: Exactly.
I'll give you a moment.
Think about it.
Come on, Ike, we can't mess up a opportunity like this.
We got a contract.
We got a record, man.
We can make And I ain't see none of ya'll come up with the money or the car to get here.
You heard the man, he loved the song.
- The song was great.
- Ain't nobody tell you to start singing.
But he sounded good.
- Mr.
Phillips said so, man.
- Man, well, you know what? If y'all want Jackie to sing you can do it without me.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Mr.
Phillips.
We gonna sign it.
Oh, yes we are.
Yes, sir.
Yeah! - I'll call Bihari.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Not so fast.
Let me make a call.
Bihari's been good to us.
Why risk it? Bihari's got no ears, turned down everything I sent him.
Dewey told me about this cat Chess.
He's got a label out of Chicago.
Come on, Marion.
Buck-up.
Be bold.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (LAUGHTER) Looking for Leonard Chess.
Yeah, it's me if you owe me money.
He's over there.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) Leonard Chess? Yeah.
I'm Leonard Chess.
Who are you? It doesn't matter who I am, it matters what I got.
- Your next hit record.
- Yeah? Make an appointment, kid.
Can't you see I'm kind of busy here.
(MAN AND WOMAN EXCLAIMING) (MUSIC STOPS) Hey.
That's my record.
Wha It's a party, isn't it? Let's liven it up! (ROCKET 88 STARTS PLAYING) MAN: You know the twist.
(WOMAN SCREAMS) - It jumps.
- Now this is a party.
I like it.
Dam'n right it jumps.
It's gonna have every woman jumping out onto the dance floor and into the record shop.
Okay, you want a deal? - Depends.
- No haggling.
Standard deal.
Two points of retail.
A hundred up front.
And you cover the union.
That's double Bihari's royalty.
Mm-hmm.
You got yourself a partner.
Yo, Mickey, give my friends a drink here.
But you already got yourself a partner, don't you, Phillips? - Ah, Joe.
What do you know? - Me.
That's my record.
Well, Joe, now, we didn't talk about no exclusivity now, did we? Yeah, well, we didn't talk about you whoring around either, did we? - Oh.
- I sent you a lifeline, man.
This is how you repay me? Thank you.
Your lifeline is barely a maybe.
And I can't pay my bills with maybe, now can I, Joe? Don't be a sore loser, Joe.
Come on.
Up yours, Leonard.
Ah.
He's tough.
When my B.
B.
King is the biggest Negro act in the country, you're gonna say to yourself, "I could have had a piece of that.
" I'm sorry you feel that way, Joe.
Mickey, give what-do-you-know Joe some whisky here.
Come on, grab a honey, listen to my next number one.
(CHUCKLES) You guys enjoy your little party.
- All right.
- Cheers, partner.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) (UPBEAT COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS) Mr.
Fireman won't you please listen to me Cause I got a pretty Momma in Tennessee Keep movin' me on Keep rollin' on So shovel the coal let this rattle a rollin' Keep movin' me on Mr.
Engineer, take that throttle in hand That should be all.
This rattle is the fastest in the Southern land - It's been a pleasure.
- Thank you, Sir.
(BOTH SPEAK INDISTINCTLY) Your gonna ease my mind put me there on time And keep rollin' on All right, now, who is your idol? ALL: Eddy Arnold! Okay, when Eddy's done he's gonna come through that door right there.
Bobbie and the boys here will snap some photos.
So make sure you got your autograph books ready.
Okay? One for you.
One for you.
And one for you.
There you go.
Okay, there you go, ladies.
Hank Snow? You're Eddy's manager, ain't ya? Yes, sir.
Found him playing midways in Florida.
(CHUCKLES) You looking to take on any clients? Oh, uh, it's not the Colonel's way to steal artists.
But, uh, if the Colonel believes that you could be as big as Eddy Arnold.
Well, we are selling 20 to 30 songbooks and photos a night.
We sell a couple hundred.
Let me give you some free advice.
And, uh, the Colonel doesn't do free.
Hold the show a half-hour in the summer so they get good and thirsty.
Sell 'em a lemonade and a fan.
Tell 'em another two bits gets 'em a song book or a signed photo.
We make more selling merchandise than we make from the gate.
(GIRLS SHRIEKING) - (CHUCKLES) - (CAMERA FLASHES) I saw you and Joe Wigams backstage.
- Meet me at the hotel.
- (CAMERS FLASHING) (GIRLS SCREAMING) All right, thank ya'll.
- How'd ya'll enjoy the show? - (GIRLS SHRIEKING) All right, all right.
(CAMERAS FLASHING) You got a whole That's covered there, buddy.
COLONEL: Well, it is the manager's job to be think of his artist first thing in the morning and last thing every night.
(CHUCKLES) (INDISTINCT TV CHATTER) (INDISTINCT SPORTS COMMENTARY) (SIGHS) Eddy? It's the Colonel.
Now, what is so important that it couldn't wait till tomorrow? Honesty.
That's what.
Are you accusing the Colonel of impropriety? Enough with "The Colonel" crap, Tom.
You know, music publishers don't usually make it a habit of giving managers fat envelopes backstage.
You gettin' kickbacks for three of Joe Wigams' songs makin' it onto my last record.
Kickbacks? Yes, that envelope had money in it.
For us.
He was late and I demanded he bring it straight to me or there, there would be hell to pay! Is that right? What the hell is your problem, son? You've had 15 number ones.
I took you from Carney tents to headlinin' The Ryman.
If it weren't for me, you'd still be scamming folks for nickels to watch ducks dance.
- (LAUGHS) - You gambling again? You're making money, I'm making money.
It's a cash business and a cash business is built on trust.
(SCOFFS) "Trust.
" Well, what I'm trusting right now is my gut.
And my gut is telling me money is hiding in your pocket.
Receipts, ledgers, contracts, and IOU's.
And if you're thinking about firing me, don't bother.
I quit before I walked through the door.
COLONEL: It's just formality.
Well, so what happened with Eddy? Well, Hank Snow happened! Well, I told Eddy Arnold, there's no hard feelings, but it was time for the Colonel to move on.
Now this is a cash business.
A partnership based on trust and our mutual desire to make you a star.
Can I trust you, Hank? Damn straight.
(LAUGHS) Okay.
(WHISTLE BLOWS) Is your hair getting kinky? That's 'cause it's payday, it's Daddy O'Dewey coming at you from Memphis, Tennessee with Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats howling Rocket 88.
Gary it's great to just do on away For the fifth straight week at the top of the charts.
(ROCKET 88 PLAYS ON RADIO) 100,000 copies sold, five weeks at number one and still going strong.
Yay.
We did it, girls.
- When did you get that new TV? - You like it? Yeah.
Do I like it? You're gonna love this.
New RCA mixing board.
Well, it's not exactly new, but Well, it might as well be the money it cost.
Uh-huh.
- You like that couch? - It's fancy.
Yeah, come on.
Voila.
And Marion, the Altec microphone I was talking about? Omnidirectional.
Mmm-hmm.
The record's a hit, but it's a lot of money.
Oh, stop being a wet blanket, Marion, come on.
We are celebratin'.
Huh? (CHUCKLES) Oh, Sam.
Oh, this is It's too much.
You girls deserve it.
- Thank you.
- (DOOR OPENS) Sam.
Give me a moment.
Let's see that.
Let me see.
Leonard.
Welcome.
That's my wife, Becky.
And you know Marion.
Well, it's awfully quiet in here.
Where's Jackie? Where's Delta Cats? Oh, sleeping it off.
Had us a, a wee hour session as you can tell.
(CHUCKLES) Let's hear it.
Demo's are a bit rough.
And I'll get 'em to you when they're done proper, first thing.
Sam, you gotta be following up.
It's been five weeks.
What about the other demos I sent you? You produce a Broadway smash, your next move ain't dinner theater.
Trust me.
Now, I don't wanna embarrass you in front the Mrs, but don't bull-jive me.
Get their asses in here.
Ladies.
Come on, kid.
Let's fill this wall with records.
Huh? Come on.
Let's make music, baby.
(DOOR CLOSES) (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) Yeah Well, we're gonna get real loose, and drink some juice We're gonna go real far and hop in my car Girls, girls, girls, I love 'em all Well, we're gonna get some juice, - And get real loose, we're gonna go - Whoo! You are so tanked, you can't even string two words together.
Ike.
Look, man, aren't you a sight for sore eyes.
Look when a man is wrong, a man is wrong.
And I was dead wrong.
You write the hits.
We'll find us another singer, and then we will all make a ton of money together.
That's what I'm here for.
The money.
Where's my royalties at? Uh, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
What do you mean, your royalties? Jackie sung lead.
I paid him the band's share.
He ain't pay nobody.
That drunk drunk up every dime you give him.
He ain't nothing without me.
You know it, I know it, and now (CHUCKLES) Mr.
Joe Bihari knows it, too.
- Bihari? - Mmm-hmm.
What's he got to do with this? Plenty.
I cut B.
B.
King's Three O'Clock Blues for him.
And it's cookin', too.
Mr.
Bihari, knows what Ike Turner's all about.
I'm a hit record machine.
And you should have got me when you had the chance.
So what'll it be? Y'all gonna stay with that drunk who won't pay you, or you gonna come with me and make some real money with Mr.
Bihari and B.
B.
King? All right.
Your choice fellas, but I'm following the money.
JACKIE: (SLURRING) Fellas, where y'all going? We got a song to cut.
- (TELEPHONE RINGS) - Hello.
I think it's chance, it's not opportunity, I mean who says opportunity It's like a work program.
It's like a here (PHONE BUZZES) FEMALE SECRETARY: It's Mr.
Phillips.
Again.
I'm not here.
FEMALE SECRETARY: He's threatening to drive to Chicago if you don't pick up.
(SIGHS) Sam, unless you're calling to tell me you got the next Delta Cats record, there's nothing to talk about.
Chess.
Why haven't you returned any of my damn calls? Or Marion's? Because you're calling to tell me I owe you money and I don't owe you any damn money.
I gave up Bihari to work with you.
CHESS: Yeah, that was a good move, but Brenston's what we call a one-hit wonder, a drunk, and a no-show.
I got promoters calling me for refunds.
In fact, I got one of my guys out as Brenston because no one knows what the hell he looks anyway.
Well, that solves your problem, but it doesn't solve mine.
Sam, you're a nice guy, but anyone can get lucky once.
It's coming up with the second one that separates the men from the boys.
I gotta go.
All right, Aaron, I think it's that.
I don't think it's he.
That is what the Blues are all about, baby.
Hey.
Come on, we'll get through it.
Together.
We always do.
Oh I don't know what I'd do without you, Marion.
Every time we walk away from each other, I swear I am gonna stay gone I just can't do it.
(PHONE RINGS) (SIGHS) Phillips.
I don't know when I'll be home.
Well, dinner'll have to wait, Becky.
Dinner will have to god damn wait! (SIGHS) Go on home, Marion.
- (SIGHS) Sam.
- Just go on home.
I can't take any of it right now.
Not you.
Not Becky.
Not Chess.
None of it! Sam.
(SIGHS) RADIO: Oh.
It's only nine o'clock folks, but our Beale Street Blues Boy, B.
B.
King already has the Three O'Clock Blues.
(LAUGHS) Brand newly recorded last night by Mr.
Ike Turner down the street right here at the Colored YMCA.
(IKE SINGING ON RADIO) Now here it is - (GRUNTS) - three o' clock in the mornin' Next time on Sun Records Oh, Cole.
I was just coming to see you.
Party time, boys.
Oh, I, I got me a girl waitin' back home - (WHISTLE) - (FIGHTING GRUNTS) Get an after school job.
Girl likes a man to wine and dine her some.
- Can I help you with something else? - SAM: Yeah.
Uh, y'all make recordings in here? It's Mr.
Hutchins, Sam.
My other boss.
Screwin' your "second job" boss part of helpin' me? SAM: Becks, I'm going down that rabbit hole again.
(EXCLAIMING) Hello, I'm JR Cash.
If we don't hear it all across the dial, we'll go back to the old deal.
But if Eddy is all over the radio, you match Columbia's offer.
That was Trixie's daddy.
He seen a boy lookin' just like Elvis comin' out of a colored church.
ELVIS: I was just listenin' to the preachin', the singin'.
We'll show Joe damn Bihari how to sell records, boy.
How many records we should press up, huh? - 5000? - Returns.
They're all coming back.
Ah! (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) (WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) Aye, fraeulein, I'm right here! Thank you.
Here we go.
(WOMAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) Those Krauts sure know how to put it away.
(LAUGHING) Yeah, if the war had been a drinking contest, we'd have lost.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hey, blue boys.
But we had Prohibition, we got outta practice.
Nobody out of practice where we come from.
I bet your sister looks mighty pretty - after you had a few.
- Uh-huh.
Yeah, yeah.
Heya, Helga.
How you doin'? We'll take a couple of those.
Ah, she's busy at the moment.
Do "The Thang".
That'll get her attention.
Oh, Helga, Helga.
Uh, my beautiful fraeulein, hello.
Did you want him to do "The Thang"? Come on, get him to do it.
Come on.
Do "The Thang.
" No, I don't wanna do it.
Do it? Do what? Uh "The Thang".
Hell, if he won't do it.
I'll do it.
I'm not puttin' on the Lederhosen.
But what thing? What are you dense, guinea? "The Thang"! Listen, you possum eating swamp dog, - I've had enough of your guff.
- Oh, you like that? (GRUNTS) - (SPEAKS IN GERMAN) - Ooh! Ah! Miss Fraulein, it's Okay, okay.
Fine, fine.
That really hurt.
Helga.
JOHNNY: While I was walkin' down the beach One bright and sunny day, I saw a great big wooden box a-floatin' in the bay I pulled it in and opened it up and much to my surprise - I discovered a - (STOMPS) Right before my eyes - Ooh, I discovered a - (ALL STOMP) - Right before my eyes - Now that's "The Thang".
(BAND PLAYING) I picked it up and ran to town as happy as a king I brought it to a guy I knew who'd buy most anything But this is what he hollered at me as I ran in his shop Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - Before I call the cop Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - Before I call the cop I turned around and got right out, A-runnin' for my life And then I took it home with me To give it to my wife But this is what she hollered at me As I walked in the door Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - And don't come back no more Ooh, get out of here with that - (ALL STOMP) - And don't come back no more (ALL CHEER AND APPLAUD) Southern charm, boys.
Works every time.
JOHNNY: Thank you.
(THEME MUSIC PLAYS) Come on over baby Whole lotta shakin' goin' on Yes, I said come on over baby Baby you can't go wrong We ain't fakin' Whole lotta shakin' goin' on Whoo-hoo! Colonel Parker.
I have an appointment.
Come on over.
Luck should be your middle name.
- And bad should be your first.
- (CHUCKLES) I've been coming here so much to collect from you.
(LAUGHS) Should make me a member.
I have lock cinch.
Green Machine.
Fifth race, Churchill Down.
Where's my $500? You hard of hearin'? You ask me, God's usin' you for miracle practice.
I'll take the action, but he'd better come through for ya or tell ya someplace to hide where I can't find you.
You lose, it will not be pretty.
(RECORD PLAYING) Check this Mmm.
- Bihari's gonna love it.
- Whoa.
It's kickin' all right.
Mmm-hmm.
Mr.
Bihari's secretary says he told you he'll call back.
(MUSIC STOPS) B, do me favor.
Tell Mr.
Bihari you're calling.
Uh, hello, it's the Blues Boy for Mr.
Bihari.
Yessum, I'll hold.
When you get him, uh, I'll jump on, tell him I heard you two talking.
Yessum, I surely will.
(TELEPHONE CLICKS) Mr.
Bihari says to tell you that he told you he will call you back soon as he can.
- Man! - (LAUGHS) Hey.
Smoke break's over.
Time is money.
All right.
Let's lay down Homesick.
Homesick.
(CHUCKLES) SAM: B.
Talk into the mic.
How you been, Mr.
Phillips? Huh.
Tell you the truth, B, I been better.
I got bills piled a mile high.
Can't sleep at night.
A wife who deserves better than she's got and my kid needs a new pair of shoes.
Nothing a hit record wouldn't cure.
A hit record ain't what I got.
(PLAYING GUITAR) Can't get a break to save my life Cryin' and my wife don't care And even God ain't harkin' to my prayer - Got the record man blues - (WHISPERS) Dewey, come here.
Come here.
- Can't buy my baby no shoes - Come here.
(LAUGHS) Thanks, B.
That was a nice touch.
Dewey, how about talking to your station manager about hiring me on part-time.
Just to tide us over.
Don't think we need any secretaries at the moment.
(SCOFFS) I read copy on the air.
Two years at WLAC Nashville.
Yeah, my station manager he Well, he don't like me much.
(SCOFFS) Just ask, okay.
For me.
(SIGHS) Well, now that you mention it, Leanne, gal who runs our society page, she's havin' a baby.
All right, come on by, I'll introduce you to boss man.
No promises, you hear? - (TELEPHONE RINGS) - (SIGHS) B, give me a moment.
BIHARI: Phillips.
Bihari.
Man, did you get the demos I sent you, man, this is all that hep stuff blastin' out of Beale Street.
Not none of it? - Yeah.
- (SIGHS) I will.
- Thank you.
- (PHONE SLAMS) Damn, my main man Sam, He's got the record man blues - Every meal is gone done here Jimmy.
- Every truth will be - Whew! Ain't she something.
Come on.
Every soul You know it's fate (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) All right now.
Hold my legs.
- (GROANS) - (POT CRASHES) You didn't have to push so hard.
Utter not damnation within the house of the Lord.
You made that up.
But the Lord put it in my head.
What did you say? The Lord placed it in my head.
Oh.
Oh, hang on.
I'm, I'm feeling somethin' else.
What? Leave alone the loose women young Jerry Lee.
(JERRY CHUCKLES) Darken not the door of thy juke joints, and spill not they seed upon the ground.
Well, you preach it, Jimmy.
I'll play it.
Yeah.
I'm telling you to leave 'em alone, Jerry.
Leave alone thy loose women.
What in God's name are you two heathens doing in here? Feeling the spirit of the Lord, Brother Sutter.
That's all.
Just don't go too hard on him now, preacher.
He's only trying to bring a poor sinner home.
I'd better see you boys back here on Sunday ready to repent.
With coins a-tickling in that offering plate.
- Yes, sir.
- You can be sure of it, Preacher.
Good Lord loves a cheerful giver.
(GRUNTING) Hey, y'all best be straightenin' yourselves up.
If we don't look all professional like, we ain't gonna ace this deal.
I'll be right with you folks.
(MEN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) Looky there, Leon.
That buck think he's a cock of the walk.
LEON: Yes, sir.
Looks like he sure thinks he's something.
Leon.
WILLIE: Struttin' around like he belong here.
- Hey, Dewey, you see this? - WILLIE: But he don't.
LEON: No.
sir.
We got laws here, boy.
What you jungle bunnies doin' on this here side of town? We come to make a hit record.
Only hit you gonna get is upside your head if you don't get your black ass out of here right smart.
I got a right to be here just much as Excuse me, boy? Willie.
Leon.
It's a mighty fine day.
Sam, you know coloreds ain't allowed around here.
- Mmm-hmm.
- Customers are customers.
So you making records for niggers over here now? 'Cause that ain't good for my business.
No, sir.
Aw, you'd sell these fine fellows a Caddy now, wouldn't ya? Well, come on, now.
Jiggaboos in a Cadillac.
(CHUCKLES) Naw, see.
Ain't y'all heard the news? We all God's people.
We are.
But God meant for them people to be over there.
Mmm-hmm.
And us people ought to be over here.
Yeah.
Yeah, but I bet you do like you some watermelon, huh? Yeah, same as me.
Which is same as them.
Uh-oh.
Looks like little Willie just shrunk up, boy.
(LAUGHS) Well, he do got you there, Willie.
I mean, 'cause you do love you some watermelon.
Leon, don't you got work to do? From now on, Sam, coloreds use the back door.
- You hear? - - SAM: Mmm-hmm.
You coloreds just use the back door.
Good to see you, Willie.
(WILLIE SCOFFS) Jackasses.
Yeah, crazy world, cuz.
Catch you on the flipside.
Fellows, lookin' sharp.
Now, what can I do for you gentlemen? Well, I'm Ike Turner.
This here's the Kings of Rhythm.
Hottest thing in the Delta.
Whoo-ee.
Well, if you say so.
398 buys you studio time and one copy of your session.
$3 and 98 cents.
(SCOFFS) We got that.
Well it's pay to play.
We don't have that kind of money.
We just drove all the way from Clarksdale.
Borrowed auntie's car and everything.
Now I got bills just like you fellas.
Now, remember, a customer's a customer.
But you don't pay, you don't play.
Oh, I'm gonna play.
And you'll be glad I did.
Just gotta find me a way.
All right.
I'll be right here when you do.
Man, where are we gonna come up with the money? (DOOR CLOSES) I got it.
Let's go.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) (PIANO PLAYING) Maybe we could hock somethin'.
If we had anything worth hocking, we'd have hocked it already.
Hey, I'd be right back.
I got an idea.
(PIANO PLAYING) - Hey, baby, remember me? - Yeah.
You the liar that said he was gonna make me a singer - and then his wife.
- Liar? How you know I didn't come here to propose? 'Cause I read my horrible-scope, and it said that a lyin' snake of a man is gonna come slitherin' through that door today.
I'm here to make good on my promise.
Not the marrying part yet.
But the singing part.
I'm here to offer you a job.
Wanda got a job.
And paying customers.
And if you ain't one of them, you need to get the hell out.
Never mind that.
I'm on the level.
Me and The Kings of Rhythm are looking for a queen to sing with us on a record.
Oh, yeah? What's the catch? Ain't no catch.
This here's the genuine deal.
Memphis Recording Studios.
We're all kickin' in four bucks.
That's the catch.
Looks like my horrible-scope was right again.
Get lost.
BOSS: Hey, come back here! (YELLS) Get my gun.
Hey.
Start the car.
Start the damn car! (INDISTINCT YELLING) (HONKING) (GUNSHOT) Get outta here! (TIRES SCREECHING) - (INDISTINCT RADIO CONVERSATION) How many times you gonna read that letter? They're showing a movie in the mess hall.
Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison.
I don't need no movie to tell me about prison.
I'm counting the days till I'm sprung.
Suit yourself.
See ya.
Oh I'm stuck in Folsom Prison, And time keeps dragging on (WHISPERS) Trixie Trixie.
Elvis Presley, what in tarnation are you doin' here? My Daddy will shoot you dead as night if he sees you in here.
Now hear me out, Trix.
Now your daddy well, he, he called my daddy.
Yeah, for being at the colored church.
Can you blame him? Uh, no, but I wasn't doing anything wrong.
You see, I, I was just listening to the choir music is all.
And what's wrong with the music at First Baptist? (SIGHS) Nothing, I mean, it's, it's nice and all, but But? It just comes out of your mouth.
Well where else is it suppose to come from? Here.
It's about feeling it, Trix.
I mean, it's in the way they sing it, it makes you shudder and shake right down to your toes.
I don't understand.
(SIGHS) I'm not sure I do either.
It's kind of hard to explain, I guess.
And it ain't just that church music.
Here, listen.
(RADIO STATIC) Get your engine flaming' with the lovin' machine (LAUGHS) See right there.
(LAUGHS) I mean, that's what I'm talking about.
I dream of making music like that someday.
Yes it's real gone Hand you my lovin'.
You know what I mean MR.
DEAN: Trixie May? - (GASPS) Go.
- What's going on there? - Go, go, go, go! - I'm comin' up.
Hurry.
- I'll show you what I mean .
- Trixie.
Well I just got wise and built me a lovin' machine Who you talking to? It's just the radio, daddy.
It's music like that makes good girls go bad.
Turn it off.
Turn it off.
(MUSIC STOPS) You're grounded, you hear me? (DOOR CLOSES) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) MAN: Thank you, mam.
Enjoy the show.
KID: Lemonade! Get your lemonade here.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Hey, boy.
How we doin'? In this heat? (SCOFFS) We're gonna run out fast.
Good.
And the fans? Not sellin' so well.
Watch and learn, my dubious one.
Hand me a fan.
(CLEARS THROAT) (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)) Madam, may I? It's hotter than Memphis ass farm in here today.
A gift from Eddy Arnold for you, on this sweltering day.
Pleasure.
Fans available for a modest price.
(INDISTINCT YELLING) Don't dawdle, boy.
Attend to them.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) MAN: We are ready in two minutes.
All right, I will let him know.
You were supposed to be on 10 minutes ago.
What the hell's he doing out there? Makin' 'em sweat.
The hotter they get, the more lemonade he sells.
That's why I love him.
All right, you boys ready to give these folks a good show, huh? Whoo-wee.
Lookin' sharp.
Lookin' sharp.
(INAUDIBLE) Whoo! Show time! (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) (BAND PLAYS MUSIC) Doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee Ooh, doo, doo doo, ooh doo doo Doo doo doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee (YODELING) The cattle are prowlin', the coyotes are howlin' Out where the doggies bawl Where spurs are a-jinglin' a cowboy is singin His lonesome cattle call.
Doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee Ooh, doo, doo doo, ooh doo doo Doo doo doo, doo, doo doo, doo-dee (YODELING) The local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy met Monday in the home of Mrs.
J.
W.
Gilmer.
Mrs.
Gilmer's niece Mary Catherine delighted with a beautiful rendition of Jesus Loves.
A fine time was had by all.
This is Scarlett O'Connor Peabody, ladies, reminding you-all to mind your manners and always speak your mind.
Uh, you certainly have a beautiful voice.
Thank you.
At ease, dodo.
Well, job is yours if you want it.
Why thank you, Earle.
I appreciate that.
It's hard to imagine a lady like you being referred by somebody like Dewey.
(LAUGHS) Well, I don't know if that's good or bad, but he always says the nicest things about you.
- He does? - Always.
Huh.
Welcome aboard.
And I do promise to mind my manners.
- (CHUCKLES) - And to always speak my mind.
Good.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Thank you.
(TIRES SCREECHING) You get 'em? Oh, I got 'em all right.
I don't know if this was such a good idea.
Let's just hit the road, cuz.
"Lust not after her beauty in thine heart" "neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
" Proverbs 625.
Well, believe me cuz, it ain't her eyelids that are takin' me right now.
(SCOFFS) You're really lewd.
Your intentions are solely lustful, sinful exploitations.
Well, you're talking out of the side of your mouth if you hadn't brought your own Daddy's car.
Whoa.
Lookey here.
Wow-wee.
(TIRES SCREECHING) Oh.
Jimmy.
I've got $20 left after rent.
I'm puttin' this in the account.
You can pay me back from the next Arkansas Electric session.
Marion, I don't want you put And what are you doin'? It was just a little pick me up is all (SIGHS) I didn't sleep a wink last night.
(SIGHS) (KNOCKING) Four dollars.
And you can keep the change.
Two cents? Not a big tipper, but a paying customer.
Hmm.
I hope you good and rested, Mr.
Record Man, 'cause the Kings Rhythm 'bout to knock your socks off.
Uh (INDISTINCT DIALOGUE) All right, are you ready? (BAND PLAYING) - (DISTORTED PIANO SOUND) - Whoa! - Man, what is that? - Amp's sound is busted.
Son of a gun, busted up but real bad.
And I still owes money on it.
Man, it took a hit a buckshot.
How we gonna make a hit record with no damn amp? MAN: Yeah, come on, y'all.
You got an amp.
It's fine.
I can work with the sound.
All right, let's see what you got.
One, two (UPBEAT RHYTHM AND BLUES SONG PLAYS) You could at least listen.
Mmm-hmm.
You know, Marion, I was thinking.
We should trip down to Nawlins, check out what's going on in the quarter, you know, the Paddock Lounge, places like that.
movin' all along Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Now hold up.
Huh.
That song ain't half bad.
And that amp, now I ain't never heard nothing like it.
I like it.
Ike, you're a hell of piano man.
(CHUCKLES) Well, thank you, Mr.
Phillips.
But I ain't gonna jive you.
You can't sing for crap.
- (LAUGHTER) - (DRUM BEAT) Man, we've been tryin' to tell him that for two years, man.
MAN: Uh, for three years.
- (LAUGHTER) - Go ahead and laugh, fool.
I'm takin' this here four dollars out of your pay.
- You're pay.
Laugh on that.
- Ooh.
You don't want that.
All right, all right, all right, all right, look, there's five of you cats.
One of you fellows gotta be able to sing a lick.
Huh? You want to give it a shot? Drummer man? IKE: All right.
Drummer man.
You women have heard of jalopies, You heard the noise they make Let me introduce my new All right.
Man? Guitar man? - What's up? - It's my time to shine, boy.
Watch this.
You women have heard of jalopies - Heard the noise they ma - Whoa, whoa, whoa! (LAUGHS) Okay.
Sorry, boys.
Ike, you're back on it.
Like a dope.
Maybe we should be focusing on our core business.
At least until we get out of debt.
You women have heard of jalopies You've heard the noise they make, Well let me introduce my new Rocket 88 Yeah, she's great just won't wait Everybody likes my Rocket 88 Baby we'll ride in style movin' all along - Whoa! - (MUSIC STOPS) What's your name, son? Jackie Brenston.
Well, Jackie.
Looks like you just got yourself a promotion.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) All right, boys.
Let's take it from the top.
You women have heard of jalopies You've heard the noise they make, Let me introduce my new Rocket 88 Jumpin' Jehosofat! That's our hit! Hoo! Marion, get me a contract.
I want to sign 'em up now.
Whoa, easy there, big fella.
Too much enthusiasm from you gives them an edge.
Play it cool.
I don't know no other way.
(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) V-eight motor, it's modern design Black convertible top and the girls don't mind Sportin' with me riding all around town for joy Fellas.
You're uneven in spots, but not half bad.
Of course, I am not promising nothing, but I figured I'd go ahead and take a chance on you boys, sign you up, see if we can't get some interest in your sound.
- Well, all right, I like that.
- Thank you, Mr.
Phillip.
No, sir.
That's not our sound.
The Kings of Rhythm has Ike Turner singin' up front, not Jackie damn Brenston.
That's how you feel? Well why don't you change the group name on this record, then Ike you can have two sounds.
Well, there's an idea.
How about we call you the Clarksdale Cats? Na.
Clarksdale Cats? What are we All right.
All right.
All right.
Delta Dogs? Hey, do, do I look like a dog? (CHUCKLES) Wait, no, I got it.
The Delta Cats.
Delta Cats.
I like that.
That's, that's the one.
Man, that ain't no kind of nothin' name.
I paid four of my own hard earned dollars to record Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm.
Stolen dollars.
Don't mean I didn't work to get 'em.
- Well - MAN: Exactly.
I'll give you a moment.
Think about it.
Come on, Ike, we can't mess up a opportunity like this.
We got a contract.
We got a record, man.
We can make And I ain't see none of ya'll come up with the money or the car to get here.
You heard the man, he loved the song.
- The song was great.
- Ain't nobody tell you to start singing.
But he sounded good.
- Mr.
Phillips said so, man.
- Man, well, you know what? If y'all want Jackie to sing you can do it without me.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Mr.
Phillips.
We gonna sign it.
Oh, yes we are.
Yes, sir.
Yeah! - I'll call Bihari.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa! Not so fast.
Let me make a call.
Bihari's been good to us.
Why risk it? Bihari's got no ears, turned down everything I sent him.
Dewey told me about this cat Chess.
He's got a label out of Chicago.
Come on, Marion.
Buck-up.
Be bold.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) (LAUGHTER) Looking for Leonard Chess.
Yeah, it's me if you owe me money.
He's over there.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS) Leonard Chess? Yeah.
I'm Leonard Chess.
Who are you? It doesn't matter who I am, it matters what I got.
- Your next hit record.
- Yeah? Make an appointment, kid.
Can't you see I'm kind of busy here.
(MAN AND WOMAN EXCLAIMING) (MUSIC STOPS) Hey.
That's my record.
Wha It's a party, isn't it? Let's liven it up! (ROCKET 88 STARTS PLAYING) MAN: You know the twist.
(WOMAN SCREAMS) - It jumps.
- Now this is a party.
I like it.
Dam'n right it jumps.
It's gonna have every woman jumping out onto the dance floor and into the record shop.
Okay, you want a deal? - Depends.
- No haggling.
Standard deal.
Two points of retail.
A hundred up front.
And you cover the union.
That's double Bihari's royalty.
Mm-hmm.
You got yourself a partner.
Yo, Mickey, give my friends a drink here.
But you already got yourself a partner, don't you, Phillips? - Ah, Joe.
What do you know? - Me.
That's my record.
Well, Joe, now, we didn't talk about no exclusivity now, did we? Yeah, well, we didn't talk about you whoring around either, did we? - Oh.
- I sent you a lifeline, man.
This is how you repay me? Thank you.
Your lifeline is barely a maybe.
And I can't pay my bills with maybe, now can I, Joe? Don't be a sore loser, Joe.
Come on.
Up yours, Leonard.
Ah.
He's tough.
When my B.
B.
King is the biggest Negro act in the country, you're gonna say to yourself, "I could have had a piece of that.
" I'm sorry you feel that way, Joe.
Mickey, give what-do-you-know Joe some whisky here.
Come on, grab a honey, listen to my next number one.
(CHUCKLES) You guys enjoy your little party.
- All right.
- Cheers, partner.
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) (UPBEAT COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS) Mr.
Fireman won't you please listen to me Cause I got a pretty Momma in Tennessee Keep movin' me on Keep rollin' on So shovel the coal let this rattle a rollin' Keep movin' me on Mr.
Engineer, take that throttle in hand That should be all.
This rattle is the fastest in the Southern land - It's been a pleasure.
- Thank you, Sir.
(BOTH SPEAK INDISTINCTLY) Your gonna ease my mind put me there on time And keep rollin' on All right, now, who is your idol? ALL: Eddy Arnold! Okay, when Eddy's done he's gonna come through that door right there.
Bobbie and the boys here will snap some photos.
So make sure you got your autograph books ready.
Okay? One for you.
One for you.
And one for you.
There you go.
Okay, there you go, ladies.
Hank Snow? You're Eddy's manager, ain't ya? Yes, sir.
Found him playing midways in Florida.
(CHUCKLES) You looking to take on any clients? Oh, uh, it's not the Colonel's way to steal artists.
But, uh, if the Colonel believes that you could be as big as Eddy Arnold.
Well, we are selling 20 to 30 songbooks and photos a night.
We sell a couple hundred.
Let me give you some free advice.
And, uh, the Colonel doesn't do free.
Hold the show a half-hour in the summer so they get good and thirsty.
Sell 'em a lemonade and a fan.
Tell 'em another two bits gets 'em a song book or a signed photo.
We make more selling merchandise than we make from the gate.
(GIRLS SHRIEKING) - (CHUCKLES) - (CAMERA FLASHES) I saw you and Joe Wigams backstage.
- Meet me at the hotel.
- (CAMERS FLASHING) (GIRLS SCREAMING) All right, thank ya'll.
- How'd ya'll enjoy the show? - (GIRLS SHRIEKING) All right, all right.
(CAMERAS FLASHING) You got a whole That's covered there, buddy.
COLONEL: Well, it is the manager's job to be think of his artist first thing in the morning and last thing every night.
(CHUCKLES) (INDISTINCT TV CHATTER) (INDISTINCT SPORTS COMMENTARY) (SIGHS) Eddy? It's the Colonel.
Now, what is so important that it couldn't wait till tomorrow? Honesty.
That's what.
Are you accusing the Colonel of impropriety? Enough with "The Colonel" crap, Tom.
You know, music publishers don't usually make it a habit of giving managers fat envelopes backstage.
You gettin' kickbacks for three of Joe Wigams' songs makin' it onto my last record.
Kickbacks? Yes, that envelope had money in it.
For us.
He was late and I demanded he bring it straight to me or there, there would be hell to pay! Is that right? What the hell is your problem, son? You've had 15 number ones.
I took you from Carney tents to headlinin' The Ryman.
If it weren't for me, you'd still be scamming folks for nickels to watch ducks dance.
- (LAUGHS) - You gambling again? You're making money, I'm making money.
It's a cash business and a cash business is built on trust.
(SCOFFS) "Trust.
" Well, what I'm trusting right now is my gut.
And my gut is telling me money is hiding in your pocket.
Receipts, ledgers, contracts, and IOU's.
And if you're thinking about firing me, don't bother.
I quit before I walked through the door.
COLONEL: It's just formality.
Well, so what happened with Eddy? Well, Hank Snow happened! Well, I told Eddy Arnold, there's no hard feelings, but it was time for the Colonel to move on.
Now this is a cash business.
A partnership based on trust and our mutual desire to make you a star.
Can I trust you, Hank? Damn straight.
(LAUGHS) Okay.
(WHISTLE BLOWS) Is your hair getting kinky? That's 'cause it's payday, it's Daddy O'Dewey coming at you from Memphis, Tennessee with Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats howling Rocket 88.
Gary it's great to just do on away For the fifth straight week at the top of the charts.
(ROCKET 88 PLAYS ON RADIO) 100,000 copies sold, five weeks at number one and still going strong.
Yay.
We did it, girls.
- When did you get that new TV? - You like it? Yeah.
Do I like it? You're gonna love this.
New RCA mixing board.
Well, it's not exactly new, but Well, it might as well be the money it cost.
Uh-huh.
- You like that couch? - It's fancy.
Yeah, come on.
Voila.
And Marion, the Altec microphone I was talking about? Omnidirectional.
Mmm-hmm.
The record's a hit, but it's a lot of money.
Oh, stop being a wet blanket, Marion, come on.
We are celebratin'.
Huh? (CHUCKLES) Oh, Sam.
Oh, this is It's too much.
You girls deserve it.
- Thank you.
- (DOOR OPENS) Sam.
Give me a moment.
Let's see that.
Let me see.
Leonard.
Welcome.
That's my wife, Becky.
And you know Marion.
Well, it's awfully quiet in here.
Where's Jackie? Where's Delta Cats? Oh, sleeping it off.
Had us a, a wee hour session as you can tell.
(CHUCKLES) Let's hear it.
Demo's are a bit rough.
And I'll get 'em to you when they're done proper, first thing.
Sam, you gotta be following up.
It's been five weeks.
What about the other demos I sent you? You produce a Broadway smash, your next move ain't dinner theater.
Trust me.
Now, I don't wanna embarrass you in front the Mrs, but don't bull-jive me.
Get their asses in here.
Ladies.
Come on, kid.
Let's fill this wall with records.
Huh? Come on.
Let's make music, baby.
(DOOR CLOSES) (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING) Yeah Well, we're gonna get real loose, and drink some juice We're gonna go real far and hop in my car Girls, girls, girls, I love 'em all Well, we're gonna get some juice, - And get real loose, we're gonna go - Whoo! You are so tanked, you can't even string two words together.
Ike.
Look, man, aren't you a sight for sore eyes.
Look when a man is wrong, a man is wrong.
And I was dead wrong.
You write the hits.
We'll find us another singer, and then we will all make a ton of money together.
That's what I'm here for.
The money.
Where's my royalties at? Uh, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
What do you mean, your royalties? Jackie sung lead.
I paid him the band's share.
He ain't pay nobody.
That drunk drunk up every dime you give him.
He ain't nothing without me.
You know it, I know it, and now (CHUCKLES) Mr.
Joe Bihari knows it, too.
- Bihari? - Mmm-hmm.
What's he got to do with this? Plenty.
I cut B.
B.
King's Three O'Clock Blues for him.
And it's cookin', too.
Mr.
Bihari, knows what Ike Turner's all about.
I'm a hit record machine.
And you should have got me when you had the chance.
So what'll it be? Y'all gonna stay with that drunk who won't pay you, or you gonna come with me and make some real money with Mr.
Bihari and B.
B.
King? All right.
Your choice fellas, but I'm following the money.
JACKIE: (SLURRING) Fellas, where y'all going? We got a song to cut.
- (TELEPHONE RINGS) - Hello.
I think it's chance, it's not opportunity, I mean who says opportunity It's like a work program.
It's like a here (PHONE BUZZES) FEMALE SECRETARY: It's Mr.
Phillips.
Again.
I'm not here.
FEMALE SECRETARY: He's threatening to drive to Chicago if you don't pick up.
(SIGHS) Sam, unless you're calling to tell me you got the next Delta Cats record, there's nothing to talk about.
Chess.
Why haven't you returned any of my damn calls? Or Marion's? Because you're calling to tell me I owe you money and I don't owe you any damn money.
I gave up Bihari to work with you.
CHESS: Yeah, that was a good move, but Brenston's what we call a one-hit wonder, a drunk, and a no-show.
I got promoters calling me for refunds.
In fact, I got one of my guys out as Brenston because no one knows what the hell he looks anyway.
Well, that solves your problem, but it doesn't solve mine.
Sam, you're a nice guy, but anyone can get lucky once.
It's coming up with the second one that separates the men from the boys.
I gotta go.
All right, Aaron, I think it's that.
I don't think it's he.
That is what the Blues are all about, baby.
Hey.
Come on, we'll get through it.
Together.
We always do.
Oh I don't know what I'd do without you, Marion.
Every time we walk away from each other, I swear I am gonna stay gone I just can't do it.
(PHONE RINGS) (SIGHS) Phillips.
I don't know when I'll be home.
Well, dinner'll have to wait, Becky.
Dinner will have to god damn wait! (SIGHS) Go on home, Marion.
- (SIGHS) Sam.
- Just go on home.
I can't take any of it right now.
Not you.
Not Becky.
Not Chess.
None of it! Sam.
(SIGHS) RADIO: Oh.
It's only nine o'clock folks, but our Beale Street Blues Boy, B.
B.
King already has the Three O'Clock Blues.
(LAUGHS) Brand newly recorded last night by Mr.
Ike Turner down the street right here at the Colored YMCA.
(IKE SINGING ON RADIO) Now here it is - (GRUNTS) - three o' clock in the mornin' Next time on Sun Records Oh, Cole.
I was just coming to see you.
Party time, boys.
Oh, I, I got me a girl waitin' back home - (WHISTLE) - (FIGHTING GRUNTS) Get an after school job.
Girl likes a man to wine and dine her some.
- Can I help you with something else? - SAM: Yeah.
Uh, y'all make recordings in here? It's Mr.
Hutchins, Sam.
My other boss.
Screwin' your "second job" boss part of helpin' me? SAM: Becks, I'm going down that rabbit hole again.