RCA Studio B

There’s something special about learning history where the history was created.  

It’s what happens in Nashville when Don Cusic steps to the front of RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and a long list of other country stars have recorded. Cusic, probably the most knowledgeable writer in the field, is author of 28 books and numerous articles and was consultant for Ken Burns's series Country Music, among other credits. 

For Nashville music fans, the great thing is that Cusic gives a series of public talks every spring. I learned about the series last year, attended a few sessions, and immediately was hooked. Once a week, I would troop down to Studio B to learn about, for example, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, the Nashville Sound, and, believe it or not, country music and the Beatles.

I told my friends Rich Sanderson and Mark Marshall about the sessions, they told their friends, and soon we had a friendly, curious group to bolster Cusic’s class. He would stand in front of the class and project photos to go with his lectures. Better yet, he would play recordings, many of which had been created in that very room. 

A special treat, unique to Nashville, was the other class members. Half were musicians, record executives, and others who were more than happy to share their knowledge, and Cusic was gracious about accepting. All in all, a pleasant atmosphere was created, as you may be able to tell from this class photo.   

Don Cusic’s next book, coming out later this year, is Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar.Can’t wait to read it!