As a music historian Steve created the course he taught at Vanderbilt University in Nashville: "Rhythm & Blues Tore Down The Walls Of Segregation". He also gives talks on this topic incorporating films, interviews and photos he has collected throughout his career. In Buckingham’s words:

 

“Music...specifically Swing and Big Band Jazz from the 1930s and ‘40s, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rhythm & Blues in the 1950s and Soul Music in the 1960s…heavily impacted segregation and The Civil Rights Movement. This presentation includes films, interviews and rare performance footage of the legendary artists, producers and songwriters who had a profound impact on American society.”