American Studies Professor to Discuss Why He Studies Popular Music in UA’s ‘Last Lecture’ May 1

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. James Salem, professor of American studies at The University of Alabama, will present a “Last Lecture,” “Bye, Bye Miss American Pie: Why I Study American Popular Music” at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in 30 Alston Hall on the UA campus.

The lecture is free and open to the public; a reception will follow.

The Last Lecture features a UA faculty member nominated and selected by students to answer one question in the form of a highly engaging lecture: “If this were your last time to address a group of students, what would you say to them?” A group of undergraduate and graduate students selects the professor from names nominated by fellow students.

Salem has published plays, songs, articles and essays and is the author of 18 books, including several reference works on drama in America. His last book, “The Late Great Johnny Ace and the Transition from R&B to Rock ’n’ Roll,” was published in 1999 by the University of Illinois Press as part of its Music in American Life series.

His research on American popular music and the1950s has appeared in Prospects: an Annual of American Cultural Studies, American Music, American Studies Journal, Columbia Journal of American Studies, “American National Biography,” “Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History” and the “Encyclopedia of the Blues.”

He is a past recipient of the National Alumni Association’s Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award (1998) and most recently of the Mary Turpie Prize for distinguished teaching, mentoring and program development in American Studies, awarded by the American Studies Association (2007).