Macon ponders Bo at local music venues and parks
The friends of Macon’s Arthur “Bo” Ponder hosted a three-day music celebration in his honor on Aug. 29, Aug. 31, and Sept. 2.
This three-day music celebration consisted of different events for the Macon community to enjoy.
At 7 p.m. on Aug. 29, there was a Meet and Greet session with Bo Ponder at JD’s Drama Theater.
Guests were invited to meet Ponder and socialize with him as well as with other Ponder friends and fans.
On Aug. 31 beginning at 7 p.m., two bands called Big Mike and Just Friends prepared live entertainment at Grant’s Lounge.
While the bands were performing, a fish and grits dinner was provided for the guests.
On Sep. 2, there was live music at Gateway Park’s “Rhythm & Jazz on the Docks” in honor of Ponder.
Arthur “Bo” Ponder is a black R&B singer who was very popular during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
One of his most famous songs is: “Dr. Strangelove.”
He recorded this single in the early 1970’s.
Ponder was previously a part of an R&B group, Soul Survivors.
He later became a part of another band named the Pinetoppers.
Ponder traveled to many different states to perform with his bands.
Ponder spent a great amount of time in Macon, Ga.
Years ago, Ponder spent many hours rehearsing in the building that is currently known as the Robert E. Lee Building, on Mulberry Street.
This was previously the home to Phil Walden Artists & Promotions and the WIBB studio.
Ponder went on tour throughout the United States at a time when racial segregation was an issue in America. Consequently, this was not the easiest time for a group of African American musicians to tour the country.
However, Ponder’s band chose to not let this stop them from performing the music they loved.
His most recent performance was a tribute to James Brown in the Douglass Theatre.
He also preformed at the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival.
Through the years, Ponder’s eyesight has become a struggle.
His eyesight has been slowly deteriorating and he is now legally blind.
Although he is not as healthy as he once was, Ponder will not let that stop him from performing the music that touches the souls of all R&B fans.
Many Macon locals came out to support Bo Ponder during the three-day music celebration.
I am glad go hear that Mr. Ponders are still around, may God continue to bless him. I’m original from Macon, back in the days we came up together. When he was singing , I was singing with a gospel group at the time and after doing a tour in Viet Nam, I moved to Atlanta in 1968 but often visit back home. I grew up in the rural area out near Sawyer Lake where my cousin Johnny Jenkins grew up. Since February last year I moved back to Macon because of illness. I was just checking on some of the guys I knew during that period, like Arthur, Otis, Roger, James Duncan, Matt Brown just to name a few that brought entertainment in our city. I’m glad I had a chance to talk with James years ago at one of the Cherry Blossoms shows. The Senior citizens like me can remember when Macon was a real soul city when everybody enjoyed themselves along with our white soul brothers, The Allman brothers. Remembering the days in the Key Club, Adams Lounge, Club 15, The Elk’s Club. Montgomery Lounge, Peyton Place, Mathis Grill, Grant’s Lounge, Red Rooster the New Directions and others. In those days, Macon was the place to party in. Maybe this brought back memories to some of you that new Macon then. By the way, I drives Greyhound now and is called the Smooth Operator.may God continue to bless all of you.