Brief Bio (updated 5/06)

Michael T. Bertrand is an assistant professor of history at Tennessee State University. A native of South Louisiana, he has also taught at the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Mississippi. He grew up in a working-class household where music maintained a constant presence. He has spent his academic life attempting to understand the complex regional culture from which he emerged, particularly the significant role played by music. His teaching and research interests consequently focus on southern history, culture, and music, with an emphasis on comprehending the relationship between popular culture and social change. The University of Illinois Press recently released a second (paperback) edition of his first book, Race, Rock, and Elvis. He has written published articles on Hank Williams, rockabilly, country music and gender, and popular music and southern race relations. He has also published numerous book reviews in professional periodicals such as the Journal of American History and the Journal of Southern History. He is currently working on a manuscript on African American radio programming in the South between 1948 and 1963.