MTSU Plans Fundraiser To Preserve Work of Late Music Photographer Alan Mayor

Alan Mayor and Garth Brooks

Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Popular Music will hold a fundraiser for the preservation of the Alan Mayor Photography Collection on Wednesday, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Country Music Association in Nashville. The evening will feature a cocktail reception and a silent auction of beautifully framed prints of Mayor’s work, including some unpublished gems.

The Center for Popular Music acquired the Alan Mayor Photography Collection in late 2017. Mayor, a beloved photographer who passed away in 2015, documented more than four decades of Nashville’s musical life: the Opry, Fan Fair (now CMA Fest), music industry events, local shows, tours, and a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes photos of country’s biggest stars.

While the University employs two certified archivists who will manage this project, the Center needs to raise $50,000 to purchase materials to preserve the tens of thousands of photographs, negatives and slides. Once the project is completed, Mayor’s photos will be available to the public for reference and, pending his family’s permission, inclusion in publications and other media.

Those interested in attending the event or financially contributing to this project should contact Abby White (abby.white@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5756). Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation may donate online.