The Esbenshade Series and Marietta College will welcome best-selling author, musician and historian Elijah Wald to campus on Thursday, Nov. 19, for a lecture exploring the historical narratives behind American music. Titled “Bob Dylan, Jelly Roll Morton, and the Problems of Doing History,” the presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in McDonough Auditorium.
Known for examining and challenging popular myths surrounding music history, Wald brings fresh perspectives to the stories of influential musicians and the evolution of music. His work spans blues, jazz, folk, rock and rap, often uncovering overlooked histories and exploring how cultural influences shape audiences’ understanding of music.
His 2015 book, Dylan Goes Electric! inspired the 2024 film A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, while The Mayor of MacDougal Street, a memoir by folk musician Dave Van Ronk written with Wald, helped inspire the Coen brothers’ film Inside Llewyn Davis.
“Whether you’re a musician, a music fan or simply enjoy a good story, Elijah Wald offers a unique perspective on American music history. I think audiences will find his insights both surprising and entertaining,” said Todd Burge, director of the Esbenshade Series.
Wald holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology and sociolinguistics and spent 20 years as a music journalist for The Boston Globe. His numerous honors include a 2002 Grammy Award. Among his many published works are Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues; Narcocorrido: A Journey into the Music of Drugs, Guns, and Guerrillas; How the Beatles Destroyed Rock ‘n’ Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music; The Dozens: A History of Rap’s Mama; Global Minstrels: Voices of World Music; and Riding with Strangers: A Hitchhiker’s Journey.
Jelly Roll Blues: Censored Songs and Hidden Histories, released in 2024, explores the subversive and often-censored songs of early blues and jazz, bringing attention to stories that have frequently been overlooked in traditional accounts of music history.
The lecture will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public thanks to the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available in the lot at Butler and Fourth streets.
For more information about Elijah Wald and the 2026-27 Esbenshade Series, visit marietta.edu/esbenshade-series.