Each of the four conference sessions focuses on a particular genre: blues, hillbilly (country), jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. Papers proposed for the sessions are invited to explore elements of popular music composition and production, including but not limited to: influences; lyrics; regionalism; live or stage performance; the Southern and Jewish Diasporas; broadcast (radio and television); film music; Tin Pan Alley; and record companies and the music business. Special consideration will be given to studies that relate to Johnny Mercer and the popular music of his era.

Submission deadline is March 16, 2009. We seek papers from scholars and graduate students in all disciplines. There will be an award given for a graduate student paper, which will allow the student to attend the conference and present a paper. Participants will be required to submit a final version of the paper prior to the conference. We intend to publish the conference proceedings in electronic form, and then at later date publish select papers in a printed volume.

Please submit a one-page abstract, a two-page curriculum vitae, and contact information including name, title, affiliation, address, e-mail, phone and fax numbers.