The vast diversity of artists and experiences that make up Nashville’s love affair with music was the topic on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Dr. Don Cusic

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Don Cusic, the author of “Nashville Sound: An Illustrated History,” first aired Feb. 26 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Cusic, an MTSU alumnus and former faculty member in the Department of Recording Industry, has put together a compendium of information about music in and around Nashville, including historical items about country, blues, jazz, classical, gospel, recording, live venues and other aspects of the music industry.

Although Nashville is internationally recognized as a mecca for recording artists, Cusic said this wasn’t always the case. The singer who scored a big hit with “I’m Walking the Floor Over You” made the difference.

“Ernest Tubb insisted on recording in Nashville,” Cusic said. “He was such a big artist that they figured out how to do that … and that was the turning point. After that, it opened the gates for recordings for major labels to be made in Nashville.”

Cusic, the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University, is the author of more than 30 books on the music business. Olivia Beaudry, an assistant archivist for MTSU’s Center for Popular Music, put together the illustrations for the book.

The Center for Popular Music at MTSU and the Department of Recording Industry both are a part of the College of Media and Entertainment. You can learn more about the college, its departments, projects and special events at www.mtsu.edu/media.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.