Sam Phillips moves his family to Memphis to open a recording studio to look for his first hit musical act, but instead rekindles a steamy affair. Young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash struggle at home.
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; Johnny Cash, who is overseas, makes a decision that affects 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; Jerry Lee tries to stay on the straight and narrow in his new married life.
Elvis gets his first taste of fame when he starts playing live shows; Colonel Tom Parker scams his way out of debt and eyes an opportunity with Elvis; Johnny returns from overseas to begin his life with Vivian.
Colonel Tom Parker presses to take over Elvis' career, but Sam struggles with the decision to let his star go. Meanwhile, Jerry Lee's philandering catches up with him; and Johnny starts his own band.
