Tracey E. W. Laird

Tracey Laird is the Harry L., Corinne Bryant, and Cottie Beverly Slade Professor of Humanities and Professor of Music at Agnes Scott College. She has written on intersections between race, media, region, music and identity, particularly related to southern US styles and genres. These interests have led to books on the Louisiana Hayride (OUP, 2004; 2015), the historic radio barn dance that launched both Hank Williams and Elvis Presley to the national spotlight; on the cultural and musical institution Austin City Limits whose pilot episode during the mid-1970s featured Willie Nelson, and on country music history more broadly via the 4th edition of Bill Malone's groundbreaking Country Music, U.S.A. Her most recent project was a delightful opportunity to journey through the life, music, and career (so far!) of Dolly Parton. At Agnes Scott, she teaches on topics ranging from ethnomusicology to popular music, from Western European classical music to culture and community of the Diné (Navajo) people.