Road Scholars Speakers Bureau

Willie Nelms, M.A., M.S.L.S.

Director of Sheppard Memorial Library in Greenville, author, archivist

Winterville, NC

H: (252) 756-3879

wnelms@hotmail.com  

Travel region: Statewide

About Willie Nelms:

Willie Nelms is the director of Sheppard Memorial Library in Greenville, N.C. His degrees include masters degrees in history and library science from the University of Kentucky. He has been a professional librarian since 1974. He is also an avid musician, and plays upright bass with several bands. He has been a musician for over forty years. Nelms is the author of the book Cora Wilson Stewart: Crusader Against Illiteracy, published in 1997, which is based on more than twenty years of research. This book draws on Nelms’ own experiences as a public librarian and archivist to present the first full-length biography of one of the most famous crusaders against illiteracy during the first third of the twentieth century. He has also written dozens of articles on history and librarianship, as well as being a songwriter.

The Crusade Against Illiteracy in the United States: The Life and Times of Cora Wilson Stewart

Cora Wilson Stewart was one of the most widely known authorities on adult illiteracy in the United States during the first third of the twentieth century. Long before it became popular to decry the problem of adult illiteracy, she was leading public crusades to solve this problem. She gained national and international fame while helping thousands of adults learn the basic skills of reading and writing. In this program, Willie Nelms describes the life and times of Cora Wilson Stewart and the literacy movement. Nelms also focuses on her role as a woman and examines society’s changing view of the importance of reading. Compelling photographs from the period attach a human face to this remarkable story.

Program requirements: lectern, microphone

Rockabilly Head to Toe

Rockabilly music came of age in America in the 1950s. The style evolved out of post-war country-boogie, hillbilly, and rhythm & blues. Between 1945 and 1954 these disparate musical styles crossed paths and developed the hybrid known as rockabilly. While many people are familiar with the early artists of the genre, such as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, there were literally hundreds of lesser known artists who enjoyed regional fame through the music. This presentation looks at the history and development of Rockabilly, the social conditions that created it and the people who made it what it was in the 1950s. Samples of the music from the era are used to illustrate the form of the music and its varying styles. The Rockabilly revival of the 1980s is discussed along with the present-day Rockabilly scene in the United States and around the world. Willie Nelms draws on his training as a historian, his 35-year career as a public library director, and his 40+ years as a musician to provides an entertaining, first-hand account of the past, present, and future of Rockabilly music.

Requirements: LCD projection system, screen

America’s Music Down to Its Roots

This presentation looks at the past, present and future of what has become known as Roots music in the United States. The historical origins of various types of music including Blues, Folk, Country and Bluegrass, are examined, along with key figures in the development of these genres. The lecture raises questions about the meaning of “Roots” music and the search for “authenticity” in discussing such music. The current state of Roots music, the impact of the internet, MySpace, YouTube and other online means of sharing music are examined. Nelms offers a practical view of how online transmission of Roots Music performances will impact this musical form in the future. Drawing on his 40+ years as a musician, Nelms offers an entertaining, first-hand account of the past, present, and future of Roots music.

Requirements: LCD projection system, screen