Jason Mellard

Jason Mellard is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of History at Texas State University and Director of the Center for Texas Music History. His research focuses on post-1945 U.S. history, popular music history, and Texas history. He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin (2009), an M.A. from Texas A&M University, and a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin.

His work bridges academic history and public engagement, including directing the Center for Texas Music History, which publishes The Journal of Texas Music History and hosts the radio program This Week in Texas Music History. His book Progressive Country examines the intersection of political change and popular culture in Texas during the 1970s. Current research explores racial politics in mid-20th century Texas-Mexico border music venues.

Mellard teaches courses on U.S. history, Texas music history, the history of blues and rock, and country music. His collaborations include projects with Foodways Texas, Humanities Texas, and visual artist Bob Wade.