A Lee County singer is the latest to be in the national spotlight for his performance that aired last night on American Idol.
He's the latest in a string of singers across all music genres who have made a name for themselves after coming from south Georgia.
From Ray Charles to Luke Bryan, Ray Stevens to Otis Redding, a lot of big names in the music industry have come from humble beginnings right here in South Georgia, the most recent Phillip Phillips in his audition that aired last night across the nation.
"Talent for talent, Albany, Georgia has some of the greatest talent that you will find anywhere and I would say in the USA, and the world," said Dr. T. Marshall Jones, Retired ASU Dean of Music.
In the 1930's Leesburg's Roy Hamilton's voice rang out, and yes that's him standing with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
"Roy Hamilton is from Leesburg and became a I guess you might call him Rhythm and Blues Artist and I have one of the recordings that was on a 45," said Jones.
The talent spans all the genres, Take for instance jazz guitarist Russell Malone who's performed nationwide or Tifton opera singer Travis Pratt seen here in Tartuffe.
"Since that time he has been traveling the country from New York right now I think he's in Chicago, but he's getting some fame as a result of his study and his travels," said Jones.
Digging deeper how is all of this talent cultivated, it's good arts programs in the schools.
"We've had great programs in our schools and these programs have promoted people who have shown some talent to sing and dance and many of our schools have drama departments," said Jones.
While Albany and South Georgia doesn't get the music notoriety that other larger cities get, younger artists like Cody Smith who's auditioned for national competitions hopes, programs like the Recreation and Art Department's Albany Star keep encouraging young talent.
"I really hope this town can get some recognition for all the talent that comes through here," said Smith.
Propelling someone else to the fame of a Ray Charles or Luke Bryan who's star is still rising
It's not just South Georgia. Musical talent from REM to the B-52's, from Little Richard and James Brown, all originated in the Peach State.
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