Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Georgia is a state with a rich history of creative talent that goes back to its days as one of the early British American colonies. So it only makes sense to pay homage to at least part of that creativity when it comes to music.

That's why, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame has been honoring and preserving the state's legacy of musical talent sInce 1979. From Alan Jackson to the Sunshine Boys and James Brown to Usher, the GMHF showcases Georgia's best and brightest talent.

The museum offers 10 permanent exhibits and is styled like it's own little town with winding "streets" and "alleyways" that are filled with historic musical artifacts.

In Backstage Alley, visitors get a peek into the elusive world that is behind the scenes of popular music. Producer Chet Atkins and songwriter, J.R. Cobb, are recognized in this area.

The Billy Watson Music Factory exhibit is a child's dream come true! Filled with interactive educational displays like the Giant Radio (where they can dance and sing to the music), The Big Band (pick out an instrument to play!), or the World of Music (listen to music from other countries). Special programs are also scheduled at the factory on occasion.

The Great Gretsch Sound and the Gretsch Theater showcase a large amount of Gretsch instruments that were used by legends back in the day, while the theater features a short documentary-style film on home-grown artists.

In the Gospel Chapel visitors will find a 20-minute film on the origins of Georgia's gospel sounds. The Jazz & Swing Club will find you thinking back to a ragtime era, while the Rhythm & Blues Revue tips its hat to the state's R&B greats like Curtis Mayfield and Otis Redding.

Stop by the Skillet Licker Cafe for a celebration of Georgia's country, folk and bluegrass musicians such as Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood. Then head over to the Vintage Vinyl Record Store for a nod to the state's contribution to rock with legends like Little Richard, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, OutKast and Toni Braxton.

Finally, swing by the Coco-Cola Drugstore, which replicates those soda fountains of old where ordinary residents became legends on the jukebox. The museum also constantly rotates a temporary exhibit for visitors to enjoy (currently Johnny Mercer: Too Marvelous for Words).

Check the museum's website for special events and to sign up for children education programs or subscribe to the museum's magazine.

- by Christine Foster, Macon Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.