CALL FOR PAPERS “Popular Music in the Mercer Era, 1910-1970” Georgia State University Library, Atlanta, GA November 12-14, 2009 In recognition of the centennial of songwriter Johnny Mercer’s birth, Georgia State University Library’s Popular Music and Culture Archives invites submissions of papers for consideration to be presented at the two-day conference, “Popular Music in the Mercer Era, 1910-1970.” 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 February 28, 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. Send inquiries and submissions to: Georgia State University Library Special Collections and Archives ATTN: Kevin Fleming 100 Decatur Street, SE Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 30303-3202 [log in to unmask] Funding for the “Popular Music in the Mercer Era, 1910-1970” is provided through the Johnny Mercer Foundation. About the Archives: The Popular Music and Culture Archives, within the Georgia State University Library Special Collections Department, collects and preserves unique and rare historical materials documenting 20th-century American Popular Music and Culture. Areas of focus include Johnny Mercer and music of his era; early county, bluegrass and gospel music; and radio broadcasting in Atlanta. The department promotes the use of these materials by the Georgia State University community, scholars and the public. The mission of the Archives is to advance scholarship and to further the educational, research and service missions of Georgia State University.