The Sound & Soul of the South

Explore the vibrant music and arts scene in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and learn how community development, cultural preservation, and innovative projects like the ATG Pavilion are shaping its future as a hub for music tourism and cultural heritage.

Special Guests
Karen Trevino, John Gordon, Kevin Kresse, Greg Spradlin, Chris Kent

Key Topics
Community development as economic driver
The role of arts and music in tourism
Highlights of Arkansas music icons and history
The impact of the ATG Pavilion on local tourism
Preservation and celebration of local music heritage

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to North Little Rock's Music Scene
02:04 The Role of Community Development in Argenta
03:58 The ATG Pavilion and Celebrating Local Artists
05:51 Interview with Karen Trevino on Music Tourism
09:04 The Significance of Highlighting Lesser-Known Artists
11:10 Impact of the Pavilion on Tourism and Local Economy
13:11 Top Recommendations for Visiting North Little Rock
16:00 Interview with John Gordon, the Godfather of Argenta
18:58 The History and Revitalization of Argenta
21:05 Kevin Kresse's Artistic Contributions and Projects
23:55 The Vision for the ATG Pavilion and Future Plans
28:05 The Significance of Arkansas Music Icons
29:57 The Cultural Impact of Music and Art in North Little Rock
32:58 The Future of Music Tourism and Cultural Preservation
36:04 Greg Spradlin on Arkansas Music Legends
39:04 The Role of the South in American Music History
41:56 Top Places for Music Tourism in Arkansas
44:45 Closing Remarks and Appreciation for North Little Rock

Resources
North Little Rock Tourism - https://northlittlerock.org/

This episode is brought to you in partnership with North Little Rock Tourism.  Order your free Travel Guide today & start planning your visit!

Denise Tucker, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, shares insights into Augusta's vibrant arts scene, the upcoming Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival, and the importance of arts funding for community growth.

Special Guest
Denise Tucker, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council

Key Topics
The role of the Greater Augusta Arts Council in promoting arts and culture
Details about the Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival, including its history and activities
The economic and community impact of arts festivals in Augusta
The importance of arts funding and advocacy for local artists and nonprofits
Future visions for Augusta's arts scene and community healing through arts

Chapters
00:00  Introduction to Augusta's Arts and Culture Scene
01:19  Meet Denise Tucker: Augusta Arts Council's Leadership Journey
02:48  The Vision and Role of the Greater Augusta Arts Council
03:51  Details of the Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival
05:16  Festival Activities: Art Jurors, Food, and Entertainment Stages
06:44  Young Artists Market and Artist Participation
07:53  Geographic Reach of Festival Artists and Local Involvement
08:18  Why Augusta Can Handle Large-Scale Arts Events
09:31  Economic Impact of the Arts Festival on Augusta
10:23  Year-Round Initiatives of the Arts Council
11:51  Public Art Projects and Community Engagement
12:53  Funding Challenges and Advocacy for Arts Funding
13:55  The Broader Impact of Arts in Education and Community
15:49  The Cultural Significance of the South and Augusta’s Unique Voice
17:48  The South’s Soulfulness and Cultural Diversity
19:19  Future Visions: Community Conversations and Inclusivity
23:20  Building a Creative and Inclusive Augusta
24:38  Top Recommendations for Experiencing Augusta’s Arts Scene
25:59  Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources
Augusta Arts Council - https://augustaarts.com/
Arts in the Heart of Augusta - https://www.freshtix.com/events/arts-in-the-heart-of-augusta-festival-2026

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!

What if your next road trip followed the music? In this episode of The Sound & Soul of the South, we explore Music Roadtrip, a free travel app built for music fans looking to discover the places, people and stories behind the songs. From legendary museums and historic recording sites to record stores, album-cover locations, hidden venues and tonight’s live music, discover how Music Roadtrip is connecting travelers with music history—and helping them find the music being made right now.

Key Topics

•  The inspiration behind the Music Roadtrip app 
•  Why music tourism goes far beyond Nashville, Memphis and other established “music cities” 
•  Finding hidden music landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences 
•  Macon’s Allman Brothers and Otis Redding connections 
•  Music museums, historic markers, cemeteries and iconic album-cover locations 
•  Connecting travelers with emerging and local musicians 
•  Finding both ticketed and free/non-ticketed live music
•  Using technology, geolocation and Spotify to bring music history to life 
• The Seeker weekly music-travel newsletter 
•  Building trips around music festivals and destinations 
•  Booking tickets and accommodations through the app 
•  Planning the ultimate Southern music road trip

Chapters
00:13 Meet the Team Behind Music Roadtrip
01:25 Why Music Travelers Needed Their Own App
03:07 Discovering the Music You Never Knew Was There
05:02 Hidden Music History from Tulsa to Macon
08:02 Why Music Fans Want to Stand Where History Happened
10:01 Finding Local Artists & Off-the-Beaten-Path Venues
13:12 The Seeker: A Weekly Guide to Music Travel
16:17 What’s Next for Music Roadtrip
19:04 Finding Live Music Wherever You Are
23:32 Building the Ultimate Southern Music Road Trip

Resources
Music Roadtrip — https://musicroadtrip.com/
The Seeker — https://musicroadtrip.com/ (select “The Seeker”)
DiddyTV — https://www.diddytv.com/

Ready to follow the music? Download the free Music Roadtrip app and turn your next getaway into a journey through the places, stories, landmarks and live sounds that shaped the music you love. Start planning at MusicRoadtrip.com.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene in Memphis and the impactful work of Music Export Memphis, led by founder Elizabeth K-Wan. Kia Johnson shares her journey as a musician and actress, highlighting how Memphis' rich musical heritage continues to inspire and support artists today.

Special Guest
Elizabeth Cawein & Keia Johnson

Key Topics
Music Export Memphis's role in supporting artists
The impact of Memphis' music history on current scenes
International collaborations like Liverpool project
The ambassador program and artist support initiatives
The importance of local culture in artist development
Keia Johnson's journey as a musician and actress
Memphis' diverse music genres and scenes
The role of music in community and economic development

Chapters
00:21 Welcome to Memphis: A City Built on Music
02:17 Music Export Memphis: Sending Memphis Music Worldwide
03:44 Turning Memphis Musicians into Ambassadors
07:09 Why Elizabeth Cawein Built Music Export Memphis
11:37 Music as Economic Development & Destination Marketing
14:40 Beyond the Legends: Memphis Music Today
17:39 From Memphis to Liverpool & Building Artist Careers
21:45 72 Hours in Memphis: Elizabeth’s Must-Do List
24:34 Meet Memphis Singer & Actress Kia Johnson
32:01 The Moment Kia Knew Music Was Her Calling
39:42 Billie Holiday, International Stages & Finding Memphis
45:27 An Artist’s Perspective on Music Export Memphis
49:04 Kia’s Guide to Eating, Drinking & Hearing Memphis
52:35 Why Music Cities Should Take Notes from Memphis

Resources
Music Export Memphis — https://musicexportmemphis.org/

WYXR 91.7 FM – Straight from the Source — https://wyxr.org/programs/straight-from-the-source/

Memphis Travel — https://www.memphistravel.com/

Stax Museum of American Soul Music — https://staxmuseum.org/

National Civil Rights Museum — https://civilrightsmuseum.org/

Sun Studio — https://www.sunstudio.com/

Beale Street — https://www.memphistravel.com/beale-street

Bar DKDC — https://www.bardkdc.com/

Ghost River Brewing Co. — https://www.ghostriverbrewing.com/

B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis — https://www.bbkings.com/memphis/

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Memphis Music Exports.  Order your free Memphis Map & Travel Guide today & start planning your visit!

Explore the rich history of Dyess, Arkansas, the birthplace of Johnny Cash, and learn about the preservation efforts, cultural significance, and upcoming events at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home managed by Arkansas State University.

Special Guest
Dr. Adam Long and Penny Toombs

Key Topics
History of Dyess, Arkansas as a New Deal resettlement colony
Johnny Cash's childhood and connection to Dice
Heritage preservation efforts by Arkansas State University
Cultural significance of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home
Upcoming events like the Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle and Arkansas Roots Music Festival
Impact of the Mississippi River and Southern roots on American music and culture

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dyess, Arkansas and Johnny Cash
01:55 Arkansas State University's Heritage Sites Program
03:59 History of Dyess as a New Deal Resettlement Colony
07:51 Johnny Cash's Family and Childhood in Dyess
12:01 The Cultural and Community Impact of Dyess
14:09 Restoration and Preservation of Johnny Cash's House
18:03 Tourism, Events, and Johnny Cash Legacy
21:55 Upcoming Festivals and Fundraisers
26:51 The Significance of the Arkansas Delta in American Music
31:59 Visiting Dyess and the Johnny Cash Heritage Experience

Resources
Arkansas State University - https://www.astate.edu/outreach/history-and-heritage/heritage-sites/dyess-cash/index.html
Arkansas Tourism/Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash - https://www.arkansas.com/experiences/discover/attraction-listings/historic-dyess-colony-johnny-cash-boyhood-home
Arkansas Delta Byways Tourism Association - https://deltabyways.com/

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Arkansas State University Heritage Sites, Historic Dyess Colony & Arkansas Delta Byways.  Order your free Arkansas Delta Byways Travel Guide today & start planning your visit!

In this episode, Coco Rubio shares his journey from a music-loving kid in Augusta to a key figure in revitalizing downtown Augusta's music scene. He discusses the history of Augusta's music culture, the impact of James Brown, and the ongoing growth of local arts and entertainment.

Special Guest
Coco Rubio

Key Topics
Coco Rubio's background and connection to Augusta
The role of music in community building
The history and influence of James Brown in Augusta
The development of downtown Augusta's music venues
Support for local and original music scenes
Impact of urban revitalization on arts and culture
The importance of cultural identity in music
Future plans for Augusta's music and arts scene

Chapters
00:00 Meet Coco Rubio, the “Mayor of Downtown Augusta”
02:11 How Coco Fell in Love with Music
04:35 The Birth of Soul Bar
08:42 James Brown & the Sound of Augusta
14:40 Music Helps Revive Downtown Augusta
21:08 Augusta Embraces the Godfather of Soul
23:46 The Night James Brown Walked Into Soul Bar
28:48 What Makes Southern Music Different?
31:39 Sharon Jones Comes Home
34:22 Where to Hear Live Music in Augusta
37:45 Augusta’s Next Generation of Musicians
39:14 Keeping Augusta’s Music Scene Alive

Resources
Soul Bar - https://www.visitaugusta.com/plan/experience-passes/soul-starts-here/soul-bar/
Augusta Museum - https://www.augustamuseum.org
James Brown Family Foundation - https://www.jamesbrownlegacy.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!

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 Welcome to Madison County, North Carolina
01:35 Meet Ballad Singer Donna Ray Norton & Mitchell Davis
03:02 Rare Bird Farm & the Million Memory Project
07:22 Turning Music Stories into Sound Archive Books
08:44 How Rare Bird Farm Became a Music Venue
15:07 Donna Ray’s Unforgettable Visit with Yo-Yo Ma
19:31 Discovering Madison County’s Living Music History
24:15 Ballad Singing & the Nest of Singing Birds
24:43 Where to Experience Live Music in Madison County
26:28 The Deep Roots of Appalachian Ballad Singing
28:49 Music Tourism, New Books & What’s Next
35:10 Why Madison County Belongs on a Music Lover’s Road Trip

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!

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!

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

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/