Celebrating Black Music Month With An ATL Legend, Teddy Astin

June 25, 2025 4

His name is Teddy Astin and he’s a member of the Atlanta Black Chambers. Known all over Atlanta and a good friend to many, congratulations to Teddy Astin. Atlanta was not always the music center powerhouse it is today. How did this happen? Who are those people that did the heavy lifting to build the industry? I’m proud to say I know someone.

Please join us in celebrating the Atlanta Black Chambers’ very own Teddy Astin. A true titan in the music industry and a living legend of ATL’s entertainment scene. From his early days as a newspaper boy to becoming a top music executive at Warner Brothers Records, Teddy’s journey is filled with iconic names and unforgettable milestones. He’s worked with the likes of Prince, Bob Marley, Madonna, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Ice-T, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis and so many more.

Want the full story? His memoir, “No names have been changed to protect the innocent. We’re all innocent.” takes you inside the rooms where it all happened — through stories of music, legacy, and pure love for the craft.

Get your copy of Teddy’s book on Amazon and take the ride through Black music history like never before. You won’t be disappointed.

Over 40 years ago Atlanta Mayor, Maynard Jackson had a vision and a plan to make Atlanta one of the primary locations in the nation for the music industry. Teddy Astin was one of the individuals who traveled back and forth between Atlanta and Hollywood to deliver the message “Atlanta is open for business!” June is Black Music Month. As the ABC celebrates Teddy, I highly recommend you read his book “A Golden Past And A Platinum Future”

Melvin M. Coleman, President & CEO, Atlanta Black Chambers