Albany, Georgia: Where Music is Revolutionary
Albany is a small but mighty city of fewer than 100,000 residents, built on the banks of the Flint River in southwest Georgia, which had its hand in growing some of the most revolutionary movements in Georgia music history. Albany is the launchpad of powerful musicians, most notably Mr. Ray Charles, the “Genius of Soul,” who went on to break musical ground in his decades-long career, as well as put his home state at the top of the charts with “Georgia on My Mind,” which became Georgia’s official state song.
Other Albany-born musicians include jazz guitarist Russell Malone, country superstar Luke Bryan, "American Idol" winner Philip Phillips and trumpeter and big band leader Harry Malone. Both members of Southern rap duo Field Mob (Shawn Timothy Johnson and Darion Crawford – better known as Shawn Jay and Smoke, respectively) also hail from Albany. In 2005, they teamed up with Jamie Foxx and Ludacris to perform “Georgia,” a real-talking, raw hip-hop ode to the “home of neckbones, black eyed peas, turnip and collard greens.”
Where to Explore Albany's Musical History
Ray Charles Plaza
Any music lover’s first stop in Albany would be Ray Charles Plaza. Located on Front Street downtown, the plaza’s centerpiece is a life-sized bronze statue of Charles, seated at his baby grand piano. At night, the statue lights up, and you can sit on nearby piano key-themed benches or swings and enjoy a picnic while serenaded by Charles’ famous soul tunes along the Flint River.
Albany Civil Rights Institute
Albany was a vital battleground in the civil rights era, and the congregational singing traditions of the area made music a central part of the Albany Movement. In 1962, the SNCC Freedom Singers were formed in Albany and subsequently toured the country. Learn more about their passionate activism at the Albany Civil Rights Institute.
Experience Live Music in Albany
Albany Symphony Orchestra
The Albany Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1965 as the Albany Symphonette, is southwest Georgia's only professional orchestra. They're committed to serving their community in unique and positive ways, and reaching a diverse and rich mix of racial, economic and cultural groups. Each year, they present a series of major concerts at the Albany Municipal Auditorium and a series of smaller programs at the Albany Museum of Art.
Flint River Entertainment Complex
Three of Albany’s classic venues – the Civic Center, the Municipal Auditorium and the Amphitheater – are getting a makeover in the form of a new name. Now known as the Flint River Entertainment Complex, these facilities are working to attract artists and performers that will create buzz and excitement in Downtown Albany.
Harvest Moon
Harvest Moon is a local favorite to grab a beer and bite to eat while checking out the live music every Thursday through Saturday night.
State Theater
The historic State Theater is a tastefully remodeled historic staple for live music, booking acts like Blackberry Smoke and Corey Smith.
