Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1502512
Excellence in Education, Since 1903 St. Peter Claver Catholic School 133 Ward Street, Macon 478.743.3985 spccatholicschool.org GUIDE TO MELODY THE MACON MUSIC MASTERS BUS DRIVER SIDE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Joey Stuckey - Blind guitarist, singer, songwriter & owner of Macon's Shadow Sound Studio. 2. Cotton Brothers - (Bishop 2014 & Tommy 2017) Dynamic, adored gospel trio; performed spirit-filled music. Willie Cotton is the only living member. Tommy was married to Bernice "Queen Bee," Cotton, Macon gospel radio personality. 3. Arthur "Bo" Ponder - Soulful singer, songwriter & recording artist. Replaced Otis Redding, Jr. in the Pinetoppers after Redding's tragic death. More than 60 years in music business & continues to perform. 4. Robert McDuffie - Grammy nominated Julliard-trained violinist who performs worldwide. Namesake of Mercer University's McDuffie Center for Strings. 5. Otis Redding, III - (died 2023) Multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter, arranger & performer in U.S. & Europe. Son of Otis Redding, Jr., MTA board member prior to his death. 6. R.E.M. - Internationally renowned Athens- based group; considered pioneers of alternative rock. More than 90 million albums sold. Mike Mills (bassist/keyboards/vocals) & Bill Berry (drummer) met in high school at Mount de Sales Academy. 7. Chuck Leavell - Rolling Stones keyboardist & musical director for 40 years. Former member of Allman Brothers Band. Toured/recorded with Eric Clapton, George Harrison & John Mayer. Passionate forester & conservationist. Co-founder of environmental news website, The Mother Nature Network. 8. Ronnie Hammond - (died 2011) Gifted lead singer for Southern rock band, Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS) for 10 years. Credited with the group's success. Hits include So Into You and Imaginary Lover, and certified platinum album, Champagne Jam. 9. Johnny Jenkins - (died 2007) Left- handed blues guitarist; leader of the Pinetoppers. Performed on Capricorn Records label; influenced rocker Jimi Hendrix with his flamboyant guitar-playing style. PASSENGER DOOR SIDE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Allman Brothers Band - Legendary founders of southern rock known for mix of blues, jazz & country & their "uniquely spirited brotherhood." 1996 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. In 1970s, turned Macon into recording hot bed. 2. Phil Walden - (died 2006) Co-founded Capricorn Records, managed Allman Brothers Band, & Otis Redding, Jr. President Jimmy Carter said Walden helped put Macon & Georgia on world music map. Alan Walden - manager, promoter; opened Redwal Music & co-founded Capricorn Records. Best known for work with Otis Redding, Jr., Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd & Boz Skaggs. 3. Bragg Jam - (died 1999) Macon's premier music festival; named for brothers Brax & Tate Bragg killed in car crash. Creates & promotes live music, credited with more than 1,000 live shows, & donated thousands to local charities. 4. Robert Lee Coleman - Iconic guitarist & pioneer of soul & funk; played with Percy Sledge & James Brown's band, the JBs. The 78-year-old Coleman continues to perform. 5. Hamp Swain - (died 2018) "King Bee," Macon's first Black radio DJ; beloved on-air personality on WIBB & WBML. First DJ to play James Brown's "Please, Please, Please" on the radio. 6. Melvin "Percy" Welch - (died 2004) Soul musician, entrepreneur; known for 1950s party hit, "Back Door Man." Entrepreneur & hotelier. Worked with Little Richard, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin & Etta James. 7. Allan Evans - (died 2018) Internationally acclaimed & revered opera singer based in Europe. "A standout in a family of overachievers." Considered larger than life on-stage. Called his greatest accomplishment "to defeat the monster, Jim Crow." 8. Bone Holmes & Friends - (Tony died 2022) Husband & wife team of Tony & Mary Dorsey; popular, regional, 8-piece R & B party band. Tony Dorsey performed & toured with Paul McCartney & Wings. 9. Reverend Pearly Brown - (died 1986) Popular, blind, blues-singing street musician & guitarist. First Black person to perform in Carnegie Hall, Grand Ole Opry & Newport Fold Festival. Inspired Duane Allman. 10. Paul Hornsby - Gold & platinum record-producing record producer, first for Capricorn, then independently. Produced music for Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, and Wet Willie. Performed with Gregg Alman & Elvin Bishop. 11. Newt Collier - Trumpeter with Sam & Dave & Pinetoppers; local music aficionado & historian. Performed several times on Ed Sullivan Show. JUNE/JULY 2023 | maconmagazine.com 85