Sam Phillips moves his family to Memphis to open a recording studio in hopes of finding new talent as a young Elvis and Johnny Cash try and find their place in the world.

Sam records B.B. King, but his new label struggles. Elvis is inspired by African-American music, but is chastised by his family and girlfriend for crossing racial lines. We meet cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

Sam can't find the follow-up hit to Ike Turner's Rocket 88. Colonel Tom Parker's conniving ways are exposed. Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart have their eye on the same girl.

Sam's worsening anxiety attacks lead to a radical new medical procedure. Elvis tries to win Trixie back. Overseas, Johnny Cash makes a decision that will affect his girlfriend back home.

Sam finds another hit with Johnny Bragg and The Prisonaires. Becky makes a surprising announcement. Elvis enlists Sam to help him record a song for his mother. Johnny takes his relationship with Vivian to the next phase.

Sam and Marion take Elvis on the road to promote Blue Moon,. Colonel Tom Parker pays a heavy price for his gambling, while Jerry Lee tries to stay on the straight and narrow in his new married life.

Elvis gets his first taste of fame. Col. Parker scams his way out of his debts and sets his sights on Elvis. Johnny returns from oversea to start his life with his wife, Vivian.

Col. Parker presses to take over Elvis's career but Sam is reluctant to let go. Jerry Lee's philandering finally catches up with him. Johnny starts his own band.