Paul D. Fischer served on the faculty of Middle Tennessee State University’s department of recording industry from 1996 until he retired in 2018. He taught graduate and undergraduate courses in music business. His past research focused on challenges to popular music as expression, the roots and evolution of American popular music and the origin and development of recording technologies and the careers of the inventors. He has been a pioneer in the field of popular music studies.
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2 Live Crew
A Florida court said 2 Live Crew's rap lyrics were obscene, but a circuit court reversed the decision, saying the music was protected by the First Amendment.
Dixie Chicks
Through controversial political comments, the Dixie Chicks — a bluegrass trio — became a symbol of U.S. political polarization and the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
Music Censorship
First Amendment challenges to music have focused on claims that the lyrics are obscene, that they incite violence, or that they are harmful to minors.