Music

Atlanta’s Music Scene Has a Beat for Everyone

Atlanta’s musical heritage in the genres of hip-hop, blues and jazz runs deep. The city boasts eclectic musician communities and hosts a wide array of musical events annually. There’s no shortage of places to hear music in Atlanta from large concert halls to intimate listening rooms. Atlanta is home to more than 300 recording studios, 60 music venues and 30 music festivals. 

Fast Facts

• The city was dubbed both the “center of the rap universe” by NPR and “the new cultural capital of America” by The Daily Beast. 

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, established in 1945, has earned 27 Grammy Awards. 

• More than 30 music festivals are held in metro Atlanta annually; Atlanta Jazz Festival, ONE Musicfest, Shaky Knees and SweetWater 420 Fest are among the largest. 

• Trap music became mainstream with rapper, T.I. who has since created the Trap Music Museum in Atlanta featuring 21 Savage, Cardi B, Gucci Mane, Migos and Waka Flocka Flame. Other notable artists with Atlanta ties include Grammy Award nominees Janelle Monae and Lil Nas X. 

• The musical heritage of Atlanta includes many legends who made their careers in Georgia’s capital including Blind Willie McTell, Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, Little Richard, Cee Lo Green, OutKast, Indigo Girls, Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood.