Honoring Savannah's Songstresses: A Tour of the City's Women in Music Savannah, Georgia's charming streets and historic squares have been home to some of the most talented women in music for centuries.

Honoring Savannah's Songstresses: A Tour of the City's Women in Music

Savannah, Georgia's charming streets and historic squares have been home to some of the most talented women in music for centuries. From jazz and blues to gospel and country, the city's women have made a lasting impact on the music scene. In this tour, we'll take you on a journey through the city's music museums and halls of fame, celebrating the lives and legacies of Savannah's most notable songstresses.

As we begin our tour, let's start with the Telfair Museums, a collection of three art museums in the heart of Savannah's historic district. The Telfair's newest addition, the Jepson Center, features rotating exhibits, including those celebrating the city's musical heritage. Be sure to check out the center's extensive collection of music-related art and artifacts.

Next, we'll make our way to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, which may not seem like an obvious choice for a music tour, but trust us – the Hall of Fame has a fascinating exhibit on Savannah-born jazz singer and actress, Cab Calloway. While not exclusively a Georgia native, Calloway's ties to Savannah are undeniable, and her legacy is a testament to the city's rich musical history.

Another must-visit is the Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1919. This beloved ice cream parlor has been a hub for local musicians and artists for decades, and its walls are adorned with memorabilia and artwork celebrating the city's music scene. Be sure to grab a scoop of your favorite flavor and take in the lively atmosphere.

As we continue our tour, let's explore the city's lesser-known music venues. The Sentinel Music Club is a hidden gem tucked away on a quiet street in the Historic District. This intimate club has hosted some of Savannah's most talented musicians and is a great spot to catch a live performance.

One of Savannah's most beloved music venues is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which hosts regular concerts and events throughout the year. While not exclusively a music venue, the lighthouse's stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean make it a must-visit, even if only for its natural beauty.

In addition to these venues, we'll also visit the Wormsloe Historic Site, a colonial estate that showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. Take a stroll through the property's beautiful gardens and visit the estate's restored colonial-era music room, which features a collection of antique instruments and music-related artifacts.

Celebrating Savannah's Women in Music

As we delve deeper into the city's music scene, it's clear that Savannah's women have played a significant role in shaping the city's musical landscape. Let's take a moment to highlight a few of the city's most notable songstresses:

• Ida Cox: A pioneering jazz singer and pianist, Cox was one of the first African American women to achieve success in the music industry.
• Nancy Wilson: A legendary jazz singer and actress, Wilson was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, but spent much of her career in Savannah, where she became a beloved fixture on the local music scene.
• Gaye Adegbalola: A singer-songwriter and activist, Adegbalola is a Savannah native who has been making music for over three decades.

As we conclude our tour of Savannah's women in music, we hope you've been inspired by the city's rich musical heritage. Whether you're a music lover or simply looking for a unique and enriching experience, Savannah's women in music are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Getting Around and Practical Information

• The Telfair Museums are located in the heart of Savannah's historic district, within walking distance of many of the city's top hotels and restaurants.
• The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is located in nearby Macon, Georgia, about an hour's drive from Savannah.
• Leopold's Ice Cream is located on Broughton Street in the Historic District.
• The Sentinel Music Club is located on a quiet street in the Historic District; look for the sign and follow the sound of music.
• The Tybee Island Lighthouse is located on Tybee Island, about 18 miles east of Savannah; parking is limited, so be sure to plan ahead.