The Soundtrack of Albany, Georgia

Music has long been a vital part of Albany, Georgia’s cultural identity, from its native son Ray Charles spreading his unique soul music and heartfelt ballads to the Freedom Singers who toured the country during the Civil Rights Movement to spread the message of freedom through song. That legacy continues today with modern singers and songwriters, such as “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips.

From dawn to dusk visitors may pause along the shore of the Flint River and enjoy the music of Ray Charles as he revolves and sings at a baby grand piano. Sadly “the Genius” is no longer with us but the city continues Charles’s beloved melodies at this life-size sculpture in Ray Charles Plaza that rotates to music with a reflecting pool at its base.

Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, and, despite losing his eyesight at an early age, developed a unique soul music style in the 1950s to become one of America’s greatest singers, songwriters and pianists. Some of his hits include “Georgia on My Mind” (the state song of Georgia!), “Hit the Road Jack” and "I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Charles won 17 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, among so many other accolades.

Albany was a hotspot during the Civil Rights Movement, where local residents were arrested and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited to assist in the protests. In 1962, a quartet formed at Albany State University consisting of Rutha Mae Harris, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Cordell Reagon and Charles Neblett. Pete Seeger heard their music and his wife organized a tour of the country for the “Freedom Singers” who then performed at universities, churches and civic halls—even at the historic 1963 March on Washington. They would tell audiences stories of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as sing songs and raise much needed funds for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Harris is the last remaining original Georgia member of the Albany Freedom Singers. Her voice continues to carry the truth of Albany’s struggle for equality into the present day. Read more about Harris here.

Another Albany native who entered stardom was Phillip Phillips, a singer-songwriter who won the 11th season of “American Idol” in 2012. The song he performed at his winner’s announcement, “Home,” became a five-times certified platinum hit and the best-selling coronation song in “American Idol” history.