Musician, Loyola historian Eberhard Faber wins Kemper and Leila Williams Prize in Louisiana history

Eberhard “Lo” Faber, a professor of music industry studies at Loyola University New Orleans, received the 2015 Kemper and Leila Williams Prize in Louisiana History. The prize has been offered annually by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Historical Association since 1974 and recognizes excellence in research and writing on Louisiana.

Faber received the honor for his newly released book, “Building the Land of Dreams: New Orleans and the Transformation of Early America,” which tells the story of New Orleans’ transition from a Spanish colony to an American state in the early 1800s. 

“In this brilliant book, Eberhard Faber reveals how the Creole elite of colonial New Orleans adapted to American rule on their own terms,” author and historian Alan Taylor said in a review. “With thorough research and vivid prose, Building the Land of Dreams illuminates American expansion in exciting new ways.”

“Faber untangles this intricate history with admirable clarity and lots of good judgment,” said Tulane University Professor Emeritus Lawrence N. Powell, who for years held Tulane’s James H. Clark Endowed Chair in American Civilization. “In his sensitive hands, a cast of characters ranging from Spanish dons and creole warhorses to American newcomers comes to life.”

In 2012, Faber earned his Ph.D. from Princeton in early 19th century American history. And throughout the ‘90s, he led New York jam band God Street Wine. He’s also written two rock musicals, “Henry’s House” (2002) and “Friday Night Freakshow” (2003).

Faber joined Loyola in 2010 as a visiting professor of history and currently teaches courses on both music industry and music history. His research interests include colonial and 19th-century New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the South, Jeffersonian Democracy and politics, the junction of culture and politics in the 1830s, and society and culture in 19th century America. Faber also blogs about New Orleans history and other topics at www.crescentcityconfidential.com.
            He lives in New Orleans with his wife and two children.

Cheré Dastugue Coen is the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” She also writes Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.