Board the “Mystery Train” to the Nashville Sound: Don Cusic on Elvis and Chet at Studio B
Two of the most influential figures in American music history—Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley—will be the focus of a pair of upcoming lectures at Historic RCA Studio B (1611 Roy Acuff Place Nashville, TN 37203), presented by renowned music historian and author Don Cusic.
The lectures are part of the ongoing Curb Lecture Series in partnership with the Metro Historical Commission and will explore the enduring legacies of Atkins and Presley, both of whom are closely tied to the storied Studio B.
The first lecture, scheduled for March 4, will center on Chet Atkins, the legendary guitarist, producer, and architect of the Nashville Sound.
The second lecture, on March 24, will focus on Elvis Presley, whose recordings at RCA Studio B helped shape the sound of modern popular music.
Both events begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per lecture, supporting Nashville Historical Foundation.
Cusic brings deep insight to both subjects, having authored Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar and Elvis and Country Music, two definitive works examining the artists’ influence on country, rock, and American music at large.
About Don Cusic
Dr. Don Cusic is an acclaimed American author, songwriter and record producer, widely regarded as a leading historian of U.S. popular music. He has written more than 30 books—primarily focused on country music—including definitive biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard and Gene Autry. A special correspondent for Billboard and a longtime contributor to MusicRow, Record World and Cashbox, Cusic also served as a consultant for Ken Burns’ documentary series Country Music. He holds the position of Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University, where his former students include Brad Paisley and Chris Young. In 2022, Cusic was inducted into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame for his lasting contributions to the preservation of American music history
