The Sound & Soul of the South

The Sound & Soul of the South, Ep#4: The Oral Histories are the Heartbeat of Appalachian Culture.

Creek Media — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:34:41 -0400

In this episode, we're diving deep into the heart of Madison County, North Carolina, where music and history intertwine. Donna Ray Norton and Mitchell share the rich musical and cultural heritage of Madison County, North Carolina, and discuss their projects that preserve and promote Appalachian music and history. Discover how this vibrant community continues to nurture its musical roots and innovate with new initiatives like Sound Archive Books.

Join us as we explore the incredible stories behind the music, from the legendary ballad singers to the vibrant venues that bring it all to life. You'll discover how local history shapes the soundscape and how these traditions continue to resonate today.

Special Guest
Donna Ray Norton & Mitchell Davis

Key Topics
The history and significance of Appalachian ballads
The role of oral histories in cultural preservation
Innovative projects like Sound Archive Books
The impact of music tourism in Madison County
Artist residencies and community engagement
The story of Donna Ray Norton and her musical journey
The influence of Cecil Sharp and Appalachian music traditions
Future plans for cultural and musical initiatives in Madison County

Takeaways
Madison County has a vibrant, ongoing live music scene with shows almost every night.
Oral histories and personal stories are vital in preserving Appalachian music traditions.
Sound Archive Books creates a unique blend of music, storytelling, and community engagement.
The community values authentic cultural experiences and actively works to preserve its heritage.
Tourism driven by music and culture can significantly benefit rural communities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Madison County's Music Scene
00:21 Meet Donna Ray Norton and her musical background

Resources
Million Memory Project - https://www.millionmemoryproject.org/
Sound Archive Books - https://soundarchivebooks.org/
Rare Bird Farm - https://rarebirdfarm.org/
Nest of Singing Birds - https://www.nestofsingingbirds.com/

Plan your visit to Madison County, NC today at visitmadisoncounty.com!

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The Sound & Soul of the South, Ep#3: James Brown's Legacy in Augusta, Georgia

Creek Media — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:22:43 -0400

Explore the legacy of James Brown through the insights of his daughters, Dr. Yama Brown and Deanna Brown Thomas, and the efforts to preserve his history and impact in Augusta, Georgia.

Special Guest
Dr. Yamma Brown, Deanna Brown Thomas, Donna Greco

Key Topics
James Brown's influence on music and culture
The work of the James Brown Family Foundation
Preservation of James Brown's historical sites and recordings
The importance of music education for youth
Personal stories and insights from James Brown's daughters

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests
01:04 Highlighting James Brown's significance in Augusta
02:23 Interview with Dr. Yama Brown on her father's legacy
03:12 The mission of the James Brown Family Foundation
04:00 Personal stories about James Brown as a father
06:40 The making of the book 'Cold Sweat' and personal insights
11:02 James Brown's focus on education and legacy
16:55 James Brown's influence on music and community
24:23 The lasting legacy of James Brown beyond music
27:10 Touring Augusta and visiting James Brown sites
28:44 James Brown's impact on music education
30:57 Personal stories about James Brown's personality and work ethic
32:07 Closing remarks and upcoming episodes

Resources
James Brown Family Foundation - https://www.jamesbrownlegacy.com
James Brown Academy of Music Pups - https://www.jamesbrownmusic.org
Primary Wave Music - https://primarywave.com
James Brown's Boston 1968 Concert Recording - https://www.jamesbrownlegacy.com/boston1968
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History - https://www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Experience Augusta - The Feel Good City. Order your free Augusta Experience Guide today & start planning your visit!

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The Sound & Soul of the South, Ep#2: How Macon, Georgia is Revitalizing w/ Music Tourism

Creek Media — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:09:00 -0400

Discover the rich musical heritage of Macon, Georgia, and how Visit Macon is leveraging this history to promote music tourism. Learn about innovative initiatives like the Music Pass, the Bibb Theater, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Macon's legendary music scene.

Special Guest
Marisa Rodgers, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Macon

Key Topics
Macon's influence on Southern Rock and Blues
Innovative tourism initiatives like Music Pass and Bib Theater
The role of music history in Macon's identity
Current music scene and future plans for Macon
Preservation of historic music sites and stories

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Macon's Music Heritage
02:01 Historical Impact of Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Allman Brothers
03:56 Marisa Rodgers' Background and Role in Visit Macon
07:10 Macon's Unique Position in Music Tourism
09:55 Key Music Sites and Experiences in Macon
13:11 The Music Pass and Digital Tours
16:09 Current Music Scene and Artist Development
18:58 Revitalizing the Bib Theater and Downtown Macon
21:52 Macon's Role in the Southern Music Narrative
24:59 Future Initiatives and Community Engagement
28:06 Conclusion: Macon as a Living Music Museum

Resources
Visit Macon - https://visitmacon.org

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The Sound & Soul of the South, Ep#1: The Power of Music Tourism in the South

Creek Media — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:09:00 -0400

In this episode, Charles Davis and Susie Cowan explore the significance of music tourism in the South, highlighting its economic, cultural, and historical impact. They discuss how cities can leverage their musical heritage to attract visitors and foster community pride.

Special Guest
Lisa Love

Key Topics
The importance of music tourism in the South
Economic benefits of music festivals and concerts
Historical significance of Southern music cities
Strategies for cultivating music tourism
The role of community and culture in music tourism

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sound and Soul of the South
01:15 Why the South is a Music Heritage Hub
02:08 Susie Cowan's Journey in Music and Tourism
03:52 Economic Impact of Music Events
05:36 Music Tourism as a Community Builder
07:09 The Role of Music in City Growth
09:39 Music Tourism's Role in Saving Historic Venues
11:03 Lisa Love on Georgia's Music Heritage
12:36 Defining Music Tourism in the South
15:53 Unique Aspects of Southern Music Tourism
17:05 Music Tourism's Impact on Preservation
19:02 The Rise of Concert Travel
21:17 The Future of Music Cities
23:04 Challenges in Cultivating Music Tourism
24:33 The Economic Power of Music Festivals
27:09 Community and Music Events
38:48 Future Visions for Music Tourism
41:33 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Resources
Visit Macon - https://visitmacon.org
Georgia Music Foundation - https://www.georgiamusicfoundation.org/

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The Sound & Soul of the South: Community at Its Musical Roots

Creek Media — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:02:56 -0400

The Sound & Soul of the South spotlights destinations as they share the stories behind their community’s musical roots, legends, attractions, and vibrant live music scenes. Each episode explores how music shapes local identity, culture, and economic impact in destinations throughout the South—appealing to music fans and travelers seeking authentic, music-driven experiences.

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