The Fabulous Music Available Around Athens






by Marquetta Steiger


Music in Athens GA has been thriving since before the Civil War. Despite the genre that you enjoy, this is one place where you will enjoy every aspect of the industry. Country, rock, and bluegrass, can all be heard here. It also saw the beginnings of African Americans performing; the birth of rock in the 1950's; and the New Wave musicians that came about in the 1970's.

Lovingly referred to as the "Liverpool of the South", this city has seen many groups emerge. The Indigo Girls, R. E. M., Ravenstone, and the B-52's are but a few that met with notoriety. Add the influence of the student body of the University of Georgia, and and you had the perfect combination for the birth of rock.

With the majority of clubs located on the north side of the city, it has become famous for it's many nightclubs along the East Coast of the United States. One of the oldest venues in the city is the Georgia Theater that was consumed by flames in 2009. Yet 2011 saw its reopening as the most modern facility there. The 40 Watt Club is another that has long held its popularity. Bill Anderson, a Country Hall of Famer, spent his free time playing guitar on the grounds of the University.

Located in the northern part of Georgia, Athens became chartered in 1806. The first musical notes came from the Indian tribes of the Creek and the Cherokee. The Civil War nearly obliterated Atlanta, but Athens was left unscathed. Due to this, many traveling entertainers went there to hopefully make a small stipend in return for their entertainment. African Americans were first heard entertaining in the Morton Theater. It saw the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington at their finest.

The 1950's saw the influx of the Big Band Era. Jimmy Dorsey was no stranger to Athens, where he and his band played at the American Legion and the Y. M. C. A. Musical groups were born here through the 1960's and into the 1970's. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band headed by Gregg Allman is one that most people have heard of. The insurgence of rock music came about in the 1970's, and since that time, more and more have found success.

Club after club opened to support the number of groups that would be in the city at once. To sustain the musical culture of Athens, the University offered the Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art. Many musicians attended higher education here and became well known artists in their field. Some were to become world performers due to their instant popularity.

It was Rolling Stone Magazine that saw to it that this city was voted the best in all forms of musical entertainment. Not only were people visiting from the United States, but many were drawn from the continent of Europe to this bustling tinsel town.

Along with the nightclubs, there is a host of fine dining establishments. You can feast on the finest cuisine and then set out to be entertained in any style you prefer. There is blues, jazz, country, rock, along with comics like of Steve Martin. From the indoor to outdoor theaters, the music of Athens GA is waiting for you. There is something happening every hour of every day.




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