Don Cusic is the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University, where he teaches in the music business program and serves as a leading scholar of American popular music. The author of nearly thirty books, his work has shaped the field of country music studies for over three decades. His recent titles include Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar and The Nashville Sound: An Illustrated Timeline. A frequent media contributor and historical consultant, he worked on the Ken Burns documentary Country Music and serves as editor of the International Journal of Country Music. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Cusic was inducted into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame in 2022.