Where Walls Still Echo: Dr. Don Cusic to Explore the Legacies of Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley at Historic RCA Studio B
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
If the walls at 1611 Roy Acuff Place could talk, they wouldn’t just speak—they would sing. This March, Nashville’s “Home of 1,000 Hits” becomes the classroom for a masterclass in American music history.
Renowned music historian and author Dr. Don Cusic is set to lead a pair of exclusive lectures at Historic RCA Studio B, diving deep into the lives and legacies of the two men who defined the Nashville Sound and the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley.
Presented as part of the Curb Lecture Series in partnership with the Nashville Historical Foundation, these events offer a rare opportunity to hear about these icons within the very tracking rooms where their most famous records were born.
The Architect: Chet Atkins (March 4)
The first installment, taking place on March 4, focuses on the “Gentleman Guitarist,” Chet Atkins.
As a producer and executive at RCA, Atkins was the primary architect of the Nashville Sound—a sophisticated style that saved country music in the 1950s by incorporating pop sensibilities and lush arrangements. Cusic, who penned the definitive biography Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, will explore how Atkins transformed Nashville from a regional hub into a global music capital.
The King: Elvis Presley (March 24)
On March 24, the spotlight shifts to Elvis Presley. While Memphis gave him his start, RCA Studio B in Nashville is where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll refined his sound, recording over 200 tracks there between 1958 and 1971.
Drawing from his book Elvis and Country Music, Dr. Cusic will examine Presley’s deep-rooted connection to country music and how his sessions at Studio B bridged the gap between genres, forever altering the trajectory of popular culture.
About the Lecturer: Dr. Don Cusic
There are few people better equipped to tell these stories than Dr. Don Cusic. An acclaimed author, songwriter, and record producer, Cusic is widely regarded as a titan among U.S. music historians.
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Prolific Author: He has written over 30 books, including biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, and Gene Autry.
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Industry Insider: A former special correspondent for Billboard and contributor to MusicRow, Cusic also served as a consultant for Ken Burns’ landmark documentary series Country Music.
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The Professor: As the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University, he has mentored the next generation of superstars, including Brad Paisley and Chris Young.
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Hall of Famer: In 2022, he was inducted into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame for his work in preserving the American musical narrative.
Supporting a Historic Cause
The lectures aren’t just an educational experience; they are a mission of preservation. All admission proceeds go directly to the Nashville Historical Foundation (NHF).
The NHF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting and interpreting Nashville’s rich history. Through programs like Nashville Sites, the foundation works alongside the Metro Historical Commission to ensure that the stories of the city’s past remain accessible to future generations.
Note: Space at Historic RCA Studio B is intimate and limited. Interested attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in the room where history was made.