by Britty Johnson
Stuart Yahm, standing right, with Pink Floyd
In response to popular demand, and with the help of the University of West Georgia Department of Music, the Department of History invites students, faculty, and staff to attend 50 Years in the Music Industry, an event celebrating the past 50 years of music and American pop culture.
Harold Shedd and Stuart Yahm, two music connoisseurs with ample knowledge of the music industry, will be on campus October 20 to share enlightening stories from their successful careers. Harold, head of Mercury Records and Polydor, has produced recordings with country music superstars, such as Alabama, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, and many others. Similarly, Stuart has served as head of Artists and Repertoire (A&R) for Capitol Records and worked with top headliners, including B.B. King, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, and Marilyn Monroe.
Both Harold and Stuart will be here at UWG to not only share experience from their careers, but also to start a conversation with students, faculty, and staff about the evolution of the music industry over the past 50 years.
When asked why this event is one you do not want to miss, history professor Tim Schroer said, “The event offers the opportunity to get an insider’s perspective on popular music in the United States from the ‘50s into the 21 century. The speakers have unusual insight into a fascinating aspect of the recent history of American popular culture. Those curious about the subject will have a chance to ask questions of men who helped to make musical history.”
Harold Shedd, left, with Alabama's Randy Owen
As brought to UWG by Tim and the history and music departments, this event is sure to have a big impact on UWG.
“The mission of the History Department here at UWG is to teach people about the past,” Tim said. “We do that in the classroom, of course, but we also try to reach students and members of the community beyond that environment. Events like this one introduce people to the study of the past as they hear about the experiences of people who lived and made history. We think that people who attend will find the event enlightening and entertaining, and we hope that it will further stimulate their curiosity about history.”
Scheduled for October 20, at 7 p.m, 50 Years in the Music Industry will take place in Kathy Cashen Recital Hall in the Humanities Building. The event is free and open to the public. Please contact Tim Schroer at tschroer@westga.edu with any questions.
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