One of Georgia's greatest assets is undoubtedly its contribution to the American songbook. In partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Tourism Division, the award-winning Oxford American magazine will celebrate the state's musical tradition in its next annual Southern music project. The "Georgia Music" issue and compilation CD will be released on December 1, 2015.
The OA's 17th Southern Music Issue will explore the immense musical legacy, both past and present, of Georgia, the home state of the Father of Gospel (Thomas A. Dorsey), the Mother of the Blues (Ma Rainey), the Godfather of Soul (James Brown), the Kings of Southern Rap (OutKast), and "the only true genius in show business" (Ray Charles). Not to mention Fletcher Henderson, Blind Willie McTell, The Allman Brothers Band, and Gram Parsons, and contemporary greats like Cat Power, Killer Mike, Janelle Monáe, and Deerhunter. The issue will be packed with the trademark timeless music writing that Oxford American readers have come to expect and will come packaged with a compilation CD of excellent Georgia tunes.
"The music of Georgia is endlessly rich and varied," said OA publisher Ray Wittenberg, "from Sharon Jones to the Indigo Girls, from R.E.M. to Otis Redding. We couldn't be more excited about celebrating this amazing tradition in story and song."
"As a longtime fan of Oxford American's annual Southern Music issue, I am ecstatic about Georgia's turn in the spotlight," said Lisa Love, director of music marketing for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "We know that the stories of Georgia'sinfluential musical landscape will resonate with readers – encouraging them to engage with our artists, music-focused businesses, festivals and attractions."
The Oxford American's Georgia Music Issue and CD will be available on newsstands nationwide December 1, 2015.