- Apr 14
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2026
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Sen. Halpern, Senate Dems Build 21st Century Music Industry
Sen. Halpern Explains Need for Statewide Music Office, Minority Leader Jones II Commends Sen. Halpern’s Leadership
Atlanta, Ga. — Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta) spent four years fighting to help Georgia stay a vital part of the music industry in the 21st century — a fight she has nearly won as HB 14, featuring her state-wide music office initiative, sits on Governor Kemp’s desk awaiting signature.
“Sen. Halpern understands that building a vibrant state with a strong, diversified economy means working hard to attract creative talent and industries to Georgia. A statewide music office helped Texas grow their music industry by billions of dollars every year and over 60 Texas communities now directly benefit from that Office’s work. I urge Governor Kemp to sign this legislation and help Georgia create good, sustainable music jobs in our state,” Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II said.
Georgia’s influence on the music industry can be felt across generations and centuries. Atlanta was country music’s first major recording hub, making it a kind of proto-Nashville, and early stars like “Fiddlin’” John Carson called Georgia home. Since then, our state has influenced every genre of music to capture the American imagination – from Ray Charles’ soulful exploration of the great American songbook to “The Godfather” James Brown’s creating funk music to a virtual who’s who of American music: Gram Parsons, Little Richard, Otis Redding, The Allman Brothers, R.E.M., Alan Jackson and Ludacris. Georgia’s influence on American music is almost unparalleled in the other 49 states.
“Georgia’s music heritage, across every genre, is undeniable. This legislation is not about creating something new – it’s about putting coordination, structure, and strategy to an industry that already drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of Georgia jobs,” Sen. Halpern said. “States like Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina have made this investment and seen a return. Establishing a statewide music office helps Georgia remain competitive – and lead – in the next generation of the creative economy.”
Texas’ music industry has grown into a $31 billion dollar behemoth since the creation of their statewide music office. Last January, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott credited the Texas Music Office with “building a thriving music industry” that “employs hundreds of thousands of Texans and generates more than $31.7 billion in annual revenue.”
HB 14 received final passage on March 31. The Governor has until May 12 to sign or veto any legislation before it automatically becomes law.
Sen. Sonya Halpern is available for comment.
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