New Original Documentary Explores the City’s Place As a Musical Mecca and Highlights the Legendary Careers of The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and More

Atlanta, Nov. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The names of recording artists The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Little Richard, Otis Redding and Percy Sledge are known worldwide, but their journeys to stardom began in Macon, Georgia.

The new GPB Original documentary, The Macon Sound, premiering Tuesday, November 20 at 8 p.m. on GPB Televsion, goes behind the scenes to explore the early days of their careers and how Macon became a thriving hub of entertainment that is continuing to produce new generations of singers and musicians.

From the flamboyant performances of Little Richard, the songwriting genius of Otis Redding, the signature moves of James Brown, the meteoric rise of Percy Sledge and the unlikely “hippie” band, the Allman Brothers, The Macon Sound showcases the history of Macon’s musical influences and how the city helped define and inspire the sounds of rock n’ roll, soul and southern rock.

Interviews with Macon-area performers, music industry insiders and cultural historians provide insight into efforts to preserve and grow the city’s legacy. 

“In producing this documentary, I gained many friends in the music industry and realized what a vibrant city Macon was and is,” said Executive Producer Sharon Collins.  “Viewers will learn a lot about the music scene, but they will also be treated to a lot of performances.  It was my goal to have more music than narration. I think ‘The Macon Sound’ is just fun to watch.”

Interviews include Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of Otis Redding; Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of James Brown; Robert Lee Coleman, guitarist for James Brown and Percy Sledge; country music artist Travis Denning; Daniel Ford, Doc Holiday Band; Jaimoe, drummer and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band; Chuck Leavell, keyboardist with The Allman Brothers Band and the Rolling Stones; Rose Lane Leavell, first employee of Capricorn Records;

Chank Middleton, best friend of Gregg Allman; Eddie Stone, Doc Holiday Band; Doug Thompson, Associate Professor of History and Southern Studies at Mercer University; Michael Ventimiglia, founder of Big Mike and the Booty Papas; legendary Capricorn Records executive Alan Walden; Jamie Weathford, co-founder of the music history tour company Rock Candy Tours and Macon-based archivist and curator Jared Wright.

In addition to the Tuesday, November 20 GPB Television premiere at 8 p.m., The Macon Sound will also be available for streaming on GPB’s website at gpb.org.

The Macon Sound was funded in part by The Peyton Anderson Foundation. Sharon Collins served as Executive Producer for the documentary. Carey Harrison served as Director of Photography and Editor.

As one of the largest PBS stations in the nation, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB Media) has been creating content worth sharing for over 50 years. With nine television stations, 18 radio stations and a multi-faceted digital and education division, GPB strives to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of our viewers and listeners with programming that includes statewide radio news, current affairs, high school sports, educational resources for teachers and students and enlightening programs about our state like Georgia Outdoors, A Seat at the Table, On Second Thought, Political Rewind and more. For more information, visit www.gpb.org.

-GPB-

Mandy Wilson
Georgia Public Broadcasting
4046852427
mwilson@gpb.org

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