East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Ted Olson, a respected academic and writer who has helped elevate the university’s distinction in the areas of Appalachian Studies, bluegrass and more, has earned new accolades.  


Olson had co-authored the liner notes for the 2022 album, “Lovey's Original Trinidad String Band: Encore Lovey!,” and it won the Certificate of Merit for Best Historical Research for its category from the ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections). It is a prestigious organization that, among other charges, is dedicated to the preservation and study of sound recordings.  This album featured 1912 and 1914 recordings by an important Black stringband from the Caribbean Island of Trinidad.  


And Olson wrote an online piece about American composer/fiddler/singer/songwriter Alfred Reed, and it won the 2022 ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Award for a popular music article.


The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is a critical organization in the music industry, with a membership of nearly 1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers. Last year, Olson received a Special Recognition Award from the ASCAP Foundation for his liner notes for a 2021 Doc Watson compilation album he co-produced. 


Read Olson’s article here.  


“I am grateful to both of these organizations,” said Olson, a professor of Appalachian Studies and Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies. “I hope these awards will serve to draw some attention to the incredible work happening here on campus, both in Appalachian Studies and in Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies.” 


ETSU faculty regularly produce premier scholarship, with professors and staff earning competitive grants and fellowships.   

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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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