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Recent Graduate Has Scholarly Essay Published
Clifford Eugene “Trey” Mayberry, III, a resident of Stateville and a 2011 graduate of Mars Hill College, is the author of a research essay which was recently chosen for publication in the 2011 issue of Explorations, the Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities for the State of North Carolina.
Mayberry’s essay, titled "Sam Phillips, Elvis, & Rock N’ Roll: A Cultural Revolution," examines the historic and cultural conditions leading up to and resulting from the discovery of cultural icon Elvis Presley. Sam Phillips, the focal individual in Mayberry’s essay, was the founder of Sun Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, and the first studio executive to record Elvis Presley, the man who would later come to be called “The King of Rock n’ Roll.”
Mayberry said, “Ultimately, Phillips would use Elvis Presley to create a style of music so innovative and alive that it would become a revolutionary force. Not only was Phillips one of the major creators of Rock n’ Roll, a genre of music created for teens, but his success in tapping the new teenage consumer would contribute to jump-starting a cultural revolution, one that would change forever the face of American life.”
Mayberry wrote the essay as part of a “capstone” research requirement at Mars Hill College required for a history major. His mentor and professor for the research was Dr. John Gripentrog, associate professor of history.
"Getting published typically involves a highly competitive review process, so it’s the ultimate scholarly honor,” Gripentrog said. “It’s saying that your research is recognized by your academic peers to have substantial scholarly value. This is a great honor for Trey, whose article was driven by a strong thesis, solid evidence, and a lively writing style."
Mayberry is the founder of Trey Mayberry Entertainment, through which he performs as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Cash. He is also part of a team that performs as the Blues Brothers.
Explorations is published once a year, and is released as a companion to the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium held each November at sites across the state.