The Cuckoo's Song

Dr. Nolan Stolz is Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate. As a composer, he is best known for his 2013 orchestral work, the Lincoln Highway Suite, and for his forthcoming Route 66 Suite for symphony orchestra. Dr. Stolz had experience filming and editing performances of his compositions, but in March 2020, he had to refocus his efforts to filming and editing his lectures, as Covid-19 forced his courses online. He has since created hundreds of educational videos for his students and for the general public, primarily on Black Sabbath and Route 66.

As a scholar, Stolz is best known for his research on Black Sabbath's music, particularly his book Experiencing Black Sabbath: A Listener’s Companion but also “Progressive Rock Elements in Black Sabbath’s Music from 1972 to 1980” in Prog Rock in Europe: Overview of a Persistent Musical Style; “A Rumination on Black Sabbath’s Birmingham and the Value of Music Tourism” in Riffs Journal; essays on Black Sabbath, Genesis, Rush, and Frank Zappa in The 100 Greatest Bands of All Time; and other writings. In addition to his work as a composer and scholar, Stolz is also a prog and jazz drummer. For information about his publications, compositions, and discography, visit www.nolanstolz.com