Justin coming to tribute

Justin Timberlake is coming home as part of the international Sun Studio celebration of 50 years of rock and roll.

The Memphis pop star and 'N Sync frontman will join soulman Isaac Hayes, Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D. J. Fontana, actor (and singer) Billy Bob Thornton and a troupe of early Memphis rockers in the July 5 "Global Moment in Time."

The tribute at Sun Studio will be broadcast on radio and TV stations around the world with more than 200 radio stations already committed to simultaneously play Elvis Presley's original recording of "That's All Right." Recorded July 5, 1954, the song has become a rock anthem considered by many to be the big bang of rock and roll.

"We are thrilled that Justin is coming home to join us as we celebrate this musical milestone, " said Kevin Kane, president of the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. "He is already a world-renowned artist, and his work continues to extend Memphis's musical influence to the next generation."

Timberlake had been named one of Memphis's official musical ambassadors to help promote the year-long anniversary, but Kane and CVB tourism vice president Regena Bearden said Timberlake was uncertain until Wednesday that he could be in Memphis for the July 5 event.

Negotiations involving Great Britain, France and Germany now are under way, and Bearden said 500 or more stations may commit to the celebration by July 5. During that Global Moment in Time, Scotty Moore is scheduled to push a button at Sun to begin the international broadcast.

Others taking part in the anniversary event include Memphian Domingo `Sam the Sham' Samudio (of "Wooly Bully" fame), and music pioneers Billy Swan, Sonny Burgess, Billy Lee Riley and Ace Cannon.

Events - all free to the public - scheduled for July 5 include:

-- 11 a.m.: Presented as a global moment in time, Elvis's "That's All Right" will be played simultaneously on radio stations across the U. S. and the U. K. Presley guitarist Scotty Moore will "press play, " cueing the moment via satellite from Sun Studio. Timberlake and Isaac Hayes are among musicians scheduled to attend. Says Kane: "If Justin shows up, does that mean will he jump on stage and play with somebody? You never know."

-- 11 a.m.-midnight: A commemorative concert will feature Sun-loving guest Billy Bob Thornton with music by Sun veterans Scotty Moore, Billy Lee Riley, Sonny Burgess, J. M. Van Eaton, Jerry Lee `Smoochy' Smith, W. S. `Fluke' Holland, Ace Cannon, Mack Self as well as Cordell Jackson, D. J. Fontana, Billy Swan and others. Go to www.sunstudio.com for a full artists schedule.

-- All day: As part of a cross-country tour, a traveling exhibit of rock memorabilia from the Hard Rock Cafe will be at Sun Studio July 5. The free-of-charge display includes a special Memphis room.

The mobile tour can also be seen July 2-4 at Graceland's visitor center complex near the Lisa Marie jet.

Noted Elvis interpreter Terry Mike Jeffrey will perform noon-4 p.m.

Visit www.50yearsrocknroll.com for more info.

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