Senior Author and St. James Place Resident Helped Launch the Careers of Rock's Biggest Icons

Whether they’re dancing downtown at a Live After Five concert or boppin’ along with an Elvis tribute artist, many of the active seniors at St. James Place retirement community in Baton Rouge love to celebrate the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s more than just fun … it’s also a great way to cultivate mental and physical wellness after retirement.

But only one resident can lay claim to writing the liner notes for Johnny Cash’s first album. That would be Barbara Barnes Sims, who—in the male-dominated 1950s workforce—thrived as a publicist and sales promotion coordinator for the legendary Sun Records. Barbara’s work placed her in the studio with visionary producer Sam Phillips, along with countless artists whose work defined an era. She also had the chance to tell her story as part of our very popular expert lecture series for seniors.

Breaking the Gender Barrier at Sun Records

This inspirational senior’s story began when she graduated from college with a radio and TV major along with a journalism minor. She excelled at these pursuits on campus, but she still had to overcome the gender stereotypes of the day. “Creative roles weren’t really available for women at the time,” she explains, “… only secretarial-type jobs, which didn’t interest me.”

Although she did find a gig at an ad agency writing commercials, Barbara wasn’t thrilled with the work. But as luck would have it, she was recommended to Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, who needed someone to write the liner notes for two young musicians named Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. And so began her career as a one-woman publicity department at the studio that discovered Elvis.

Barbara’s typical day involved speaking to DJs and distributors—often in different time zones—and convincing them to play the songs produced at Sun Records. She often interacted with the artists and even got to hear some of their hits before they became hits. It was a daunting challenge, particularly as a young woman in a patriarchal work environment.

“Lots of women did office work or accounting, but it seemed like I was the only one who was forward-facing,” she explains. “I had to make lots of high-pressure decisions and deal with some rough personalities. But that’s just the nature of the business.”

Maintaining Mental and Physical Wellness After Retirement

In 1960, Barbara left Sun Records to join the English department faculty at LSU, where she taught for 36 years. So it’s no surprise that she’s gravitated toward the many enrichment opportunities for seniors available at St. James Place and in the larger Baton Rouge area.

“The documentary series gives me a chance to learn about health, travel and other fascinating subjects,” she says, “And as a music lover, I’m especially fond of the string quartets and other talented artists from LSU who perform here.” Barbara’s also a regular at the Baton Rouge Symphony and Baton Rouge Music Club, and she appreciates that St. James Place provides hassle-free transportation.

Another reason why Barbara is so delighted with St. James Place is our commitment to helping seniors maintain physical wellness after retirement. “From the tai chi classes to that glorious indoor pool, there’s a real focus on activity and movement here,” she says. “Even if my healthcare needs change, I know I’ll be able to keep on exercising!”

Barbara is a particular fan of the Brains and Balance program, which offers fun, science-based classes to improve balance and cognition among seniors. “A fall could put me out of commission fast, so maintaining my balance is so important to me,” she explains. “During our Brains and Balance sessions we move from side to side, stand on one foot and do lots of other senior-friendly exercises. It’s really helped keep me steady on my feet.”

Creating a Third Act as a Senior Author

You’d be right to think that Barbara’s career would make a great book, but her life after Sun Records was so filled with teaching, consulting and homemaking that she didn’t have the time. That all changed during a cruise she took after retiring. “I met a blues singer who kept begging me to tell him everything I knew about Sun Records,” she says. “I figured if he was interested then others might be too.”

The result was The Next Elvis: Searching for Stardom at Sun Records. Published in 2014, Barbara’s book gives readers the inside story about the singers and musicians who rose to fame at Sun Records. And it’s dedicated to that same blues singer who gave her the idea.

“I called it ‘The Next Elvis,’ because every young man with a guitar thought he was the next Elvis back then,” she laughs. While there will only be one Elvis, Barbara’s book is filled with accounts of how Sam Phillips brilliantly guided artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison to the pinnacle of their craft.

And if you were wondering … yes, Barbara did get to meet Elvis while he was on leave from the military. “I was walking through the studio and Sam Phillips introduced us,” she beams. “He was wearing his uniform, and I’ve never seen a man who looked more beautiful.”

Want to Meet Other Inspiring Seniors Like Barbara? Stop in for a Tour

Swing by our 52-acre campus and get an up-close look at our abundant opportunities for intellectual enrichment, physical wellness and social engagement. And it’s a fair bet you’ll meet lots of other vibrant seniors with amazing stories to tell.

To schedule your tour of the premier senior living community in Baton Rouge, or if you would like more information, call (225) 215-4510.