BRISTOL, Va.-Tenn. (June 24, 2025) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is excited to host its next Speaker Session with archivist Ryan Bernard entitled “The History and Archives of Maggard Sound Studios.” The event will be held on July 8 at 7 p.m. ET at the museum. The event is free and open to the public. For those who cannot attend in person, the session will also be streamed live on Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel.
“Maggard Sound has played a central role in the Southwest Virginia music community, serving as the recording home for many influential musicians both locally and nationally,” said Museum Director Dr. Rene Rodgers. “Its legacy is a testament to the lasting impact of the studio on the region’s rich music history.”
Established in 1963, Maggard Sound Studios has been a cornerstone of Appalachian music for over 60 years. Among its notable contributions, the studio was the site where Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys recorded the GRAMMY Award-winning album “Lost in the Lonesome Pines” with Jim Lauderdale.
In his presentation, Ryan Bernard will delve into the rich history of Maggard Sound Studios, explore the Archives of Appalachia (which now houses the studio’s extensive collection), and discuss why it’s so important to preserve this valuable resource. He will also address the future prospects of the collection and its potential for scholarship and further research.
A seasoned educator and archivist, Ryan Bernard has a wealth of experience in the field of Appalachian studies. In addition to his role at the Archives of Appalachia, he teaches courses in Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Bernard’s past work includes serving as the Outreach Librarian and Program Coordinator/Associate Professor of Appalachian Studies at King University. He was also part of the curatorial team that helped design the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia, in 2013. Bernard holds master’s degrees in Appalachian Studies from ETSU and Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
This event is a unique opportunity to gain insight into a historic and culturally significant studio, and it’s completely free to attend. To RSVP for the session, please visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.