Bartow History Program Explores Georgia's Rich Music History

From Bartow History Museum: The Bartow History Museum welcomes Lisa Love, from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to the next evening lecture program on Thursday, April 27th at 7 p.m. Love’s presentation will include a lively look at the state's music history, with a special emphasis on gospel, blues, R&B and soul artists in Georgia from 1950 - 1975, the era of George Washington Carver Park.

From Coca-Cola to Spanx, many iconic global products have originated in Georgia. Few people realize, however, that Georgians have also been instrumental in shaping the fabric of popular music. The Peach State’s musical dynasty includes the Father of Gospel Music, Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey (Villa Rica); the Mother of the Blues, Ma Rainey (Columbus); a giant of the Great American Songbook, Johnny Mercer (Savannah); the Architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Little Richard Penniman (Macon); the Godfather of Soul, James Brown (Augusta); the Crown Prince of Soul, Otis Redding (Macon); the World’s Greatest Party Band, the B-52s (Athens) and the group that Rolling Stone once called “American’s Best Rock ‘n’ Roll Band,” R.E.M. (Athens).

Image via Bartow History Museum