The first single, "Rocket 88," was supposed to be credited to Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm featuring Jackie Brenston.

[2] The success of the record caused friction between Turner and Phillips, and within the group as well since Brenston was the only member given credit.

He was also a freelance talent scout, bringing blues musicians such as Howlin Wolf and Little Milton to record for Phillips.

[1] In 1952, Marion Louis Lee joined the Kings of Rhythm as a vocalist and pianist; they married later that year.

[5] Raymond Hill was a childhood friend of Turner's, they were both members of the Tophatters which morphed into the Kings of Rhythm.

Reviewing The Sun Sessions for AllMusic, Bruce Eder wrote:The best track on the album is arguably "Ugly Woman," one of the funniest songs in Turner's output and one that shows off the bandleader/guitarist/singer Johnny O'Neal working on all cylinders in overdrive.