Search results
Learn about the diverse and substantial musical history and culture of Georgia, from folk and blues to rap and country. Discover the state's famous musicians, music institutions, and musical traditions.
Explore Georgia, and experience your own soundtrack of music and memories. See where the original influencers – like Little Richard, James Brown, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Johnny Mercer, Fiddlin' John Carson, the Allman Brothers, the B-52's, R.E.M. and more – laid the groundwork for today's ground-shaking music scene that has Lil' Nas ...
Ray Charles, born in Albany, Georgia, in 1930, is one of the most iconic and influential musicians in American history. Often referred to as the “Genius of Soul,” Charles was a pioneer in blending gospel, blues, jazz, and country music, creating a unique sound that helped define the genre of soul. Blind from the age of seven, Charles ...
- Roads named for musicians. If you drive through Georgia, see how many official street and highway signs you can spot from Alan Jackson Highway on I-85 near the singer’s hometown of Newnan to James Brown Boulevard in downtown Augusta.
- The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. For music fans, The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House in Macon is a mothership of American rock and roll history.
- Rock Candy Tours. Another essential for music fans visiting Macon is Rock Candy Tours, which features native Maconites as story-telling guides to the favorite haunts of Southern music royalty.
- Athens Music History Tour. In 1977, the B-52s played its first gig at a Valentine’s Day house party in Athens, and in 1980, R.E.M. performed for the first time at a party at the deconsecrated St. Mary’s Episcopal Church building.
- Kanye West
- Little Richard
- MA Rainey
- Mary Lou Williams
- Sam Hunt
- Otis Redding
- Billy Currington
- Cee Lo Green
- Cindy Wilson
- Gladys Knight
The first artist on our list needs no introduction. But did you know that Kanye Westis an Atlanta, Georgia native? He made a name for himself by becoming an influential rapper and singer-songwriter. He got his start in music as a member of the hip-hop group The Go-Getters. Fast forward and he’s one of the most successful artists of all time. Some o...
The contributions to music by the American singer-songwriter and pianist Little Richardcannot be overstated. No wonder he is named the “Architect of Rock and Roll.” This Macon, Georgia native had gone through a lot of hardship before he found success. But through it all, he had met people who influenced him in one way or another. His voice, his sty...
Next on the list, we have “Mother of the Blues” Gertrude “Ma” Rainey. She was born in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. She was one of the early pioneers of blues music with her songs that were a mix of gospel and blues. Her style later became known as the “classic blues.” Rainey was one of the first female blues singers to achieve success. She toured ext...
The jazz pianist and composer, Mary Lou Williams, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1910. Born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs, she got her start in music as a member of her church choir. Music provided Williams with solace from a difficult life. She later started playing jazz piano, teaching herself to play and becoming known for her prodigious skills. In th...
Cedartown, Georgia has one person to be proud of: Sam Hunt. This country singer and songwriter was born in 1984 and grew up in the area. He’s known as a trailblazer in the country scene for mixing R&B and pop sounds with his music. Hunt’s most significant hits include “Take Your Time,” “House Party,” “Break Up in a Small Town,” and “Leave the Night...
The legendary musician, Otis Redding, wasn’t called the “King of Soul” for nothing. Born in Dawson, Georgia, his soulful voice and timeless songs captured not only African-Americans but a wider American audience. Redding’s influence on other soul artists of the 1960s cannot be emphasized enough. His style of singing made him popular in soul music a...
Up next, we have Billy Currington, a country singer-songwriter born in Savannah, Georgia. He is a Georgian through and through, growing up in the region and choosing to make it home. While he was still in high school, Currington aspired to work at the Opryland amusement park. Following his rejection after auditions, he persevered and became a part ...
The American singer-songwriter Cee Lo Greenmade significant contributions to music with his blend of soul, rap, and R&B. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and had his career beginnings as a member of the hip-hop group Goodie Mob. In 1999, he embarked on a solo career that produced two albums: Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections and Cee-Lo Gre...
The world first knew of Cindy Wilsonas one of the vocalists and songwriters of the new wave rock band the B-52s. Wilson was born in Athens, Georgia, in 1957. With the B-52s, they released “Rock Lobster” and “Planet Claire,” both of which charted and propelled them to fame. The B52s are one of the most popular new wave bands of all time, popularizin...
Dubbed the “Empress of Soul” is our next musician on the list, Gladys Knight. This legendary R&B singer was born in Atlanta in 1944. She had her career beginnings as a singer for the group The Pips, later called Gladys and the Pips. She later branched into a successful solo career, including recording the theme song for the James Bond movie, Licens...
How do you beat the great weather and gorgeous mountain scenery in Blue Ridge, Georgia? Combine it with a great live music scene happening at dozens of venues and outdoor festivals around the area!
People also ask
What kind of music does Georgia have?
Who are some famous musicians from Georgia?
Who influenced Georgia's music scene?
What are some of Georgia's folk music traditions?
From bluegrass to gospel and everything in between, Georgia has a wide-ranging musical history that spans as many genres as it does decades. Artists such as Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Jackson, the B-52s and more, all hail from the Peach State.
