A rock ‘n’ roll expert and the Young Americans for Liberty have more in common than you might think.

Tuesday night in the University Center Auditorium, the Young Americans for Liberty will host world-renowned rock ‘n’ roll historian and author, R. Gary Patterson, for a discussion on the many myths, legends and curses found in rock ‘n’ roll and their connection to American culture.

“What people should be interested in is the connection, how music has influenced our daily lives and how it’s influenced the counterculture for countless years,” said Kenny Collins, president of UT’s Young Americans for Liberty.

Patterson is just the man for the job. He has written three music mystery themed books, “The Walrus was Paul,” “Hellhounds on Their Trail: Tales from the Rock N Roll Graveyard” and “Take a Walk on the Dark Side: Rock and Roll Myths, Legends, and Curses.” He has also appeared on VH1 Confidential and is a frequent guest on the radio talk show “Coast to Coast with George Noory.”

Of course, like his compilations of rock ‘n’ roll tales, Patterson takes an unorthodox approach to unveil a different kind of history.

“I really believe in the social history,” Patterson said. “I like to take material that you won’t find in a typical history book. That’s what made me interested because a lot of these people you will not see in a typical history book, who deserve to be there, but that’s the purpose of the social history.”

From the mystery of The Beatles’ hidden messages and the myth of a Paul McCartney impostor, to the cryptic details of the members of the 27 Club and the mysterious story of Buddy Holly, Patterson plans to inform Tuesday’s audience while also striking their interest.

“I think first of all, it has to be interesting. It has to be interesting to make you look for the truth,” Patterson said.

“The thing is, it’s a great romance.”

Music, culture and the great romance of it all may be the draw to his favorite stories, but it’s also the theme of the evening ahead.

“It (music) has an impact on our lives,” Patterson said. “Isn’t that the purpose of music? Isn’t that the purpose of culture?”

The event will be held in the Shiloh Room of the Carolyn P. Brown University Center beginning at 6 p.m.