The city known as the "Athens of the American South" is Athens, Georgia. This title reflects its significant contributions to education, culture, and arts, particularly stemming from the presence of the University of Georgia, one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The city has a rich history of promoting intellectual pursuits and has also gained recognition for its vibrant music scene, especially during the 1980s and 1990s with bands such as R.E.M. and The B-52's.