2016 has been declared the “Year of Georgia Music” by The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division. For decades Georgians have helped shape the fabric of American music. The state’s music heritage is celebrated in attractions, exhibitions, landmarks and performances.
Throughout the year GNN will visit locations throughout Georgia with significant ties to music. These visit will be chronicled in 3 minute radio features made available to your station for broadcast anytime you’d like. There are no commercials required.
The first visit was to Macon. A list of topics for the features is below. The features are attached. They’re also now available for download on GNN OnDemand (www.frn.com/gnnondemand) in the “Rip N Read News” section.
– Rob Schneck from the big house museum talks about Allman Brothers Band history.
Otis Redding – Otis’ daughter Karla talks about her dad and the Otis Redding Foundation.
Rock Candy Tours – Jamie Weatherford & Jessica Walden operate a tour of Macon’s music history.
Phil & Alan Walden – Jessica Walden talks about her dad Alan and her uncle Phil – both instrumental in forming Macon’s music scene.
The roots of American music run deep in Macon. Native son Little Richard helped birth rock ‘n’ roll, and Otis Redding, who grew up and started his career here, took soul music to unsurpassed heights. James Brown and the Famous Flames recorded their first demo, “Please, Please, Please,” at Macon radio station WIBB in 1955. In the 1970s, the city became ground zero for Southern Rock when Phil Walden co-founded Capricorn Records in his hometown and assembled a label roster including the Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie. Other music-makers who grew up in Macon include Mike Mills and Bill Berry of R.E.M., country superstar Jason Aldean and violin maestro Robert McDuffie.