On a cold and windy Thursday morning, the sun shined brighter on Coleman Hill as family and friends reunited to celebrate three men who left a lasting impact on them and so many in our community.
“If it weren’t for the great songs Brax wrote, there wouldn’t be a Bragg Jam. In my mind, there would be no bench,” said Russell Walker, Brax Bragg’s best friend. “This family has given a lot to Macon, but Macon has given a lot to this family too.”
Julie Bragg, mother to Brax and Tate, and wife to Jim, donated a bench to Macon-Bibb County to place at the top of Coleman Hill Park. County Commissioners approved dedicating the bench in honor of Brax, Tate, and Jim.
During the summer of 1999, Brax (27) had just recorded a CD with his new band the Buckleys and they were scheduled to set out on tour. Before the tour began, Brax took his baby brother Tate (17), an accomplished classical guitarist, on a cross-country road trip. On July 3, 1999, their lives were cut short by a car accident in Texas.
Their friends back in Macon were heartbroken, but they wanted to do something to honor and celebrate Brax and Tate. Russell Walker organized an impromptu jam session of local musicians. A year later, “Bragg Jam” came to life and almost 26 years later, it has only gotten bigger.
“Bragg Jam has meant so much to me and so many others in the Macon community. Without ever meeting Brax or Tate, they have had a tremendous impact on my life, and I feel like I’ve always known them,” said Bragg Jam President Olivia Walter. “It is such an honor to carry the torch and keep the legacy of the Bragg name flowing through Macon through Bragg Jam. What started as a community gathering to mourn the loss of their dear friends, now brings people together and lifts them up through countless memories and music.”
Second Sunday, an extension of Bragg Jam, is a free concert series held 6 months out of the year on the second Sunday of the month on Coleman Hill Park where hundreds gather on lawn chairs and blankets to listen to live music. As of March 6, 2025, they now have another place to sit. A very special one..
“I know Jim would be thrilled to know the bench is being shared with everyone on Coleman Hill to enjoy,” said Bragg. “It has the best view.”
The bench sits at the top of the hill overlooking Downtown Macon, home to Middle Georgia’s biggest concert crawl. A concert crawl that has turned into a staple in Macon, and an opportunity for new generations to learn about Brax and Tate.
“We joke that Tate came to help Brax. They were great buddies, and Tate was a lucky boy to have Brax as his mentor,” said Bragg.
“Brax loved to show his little brother off. Taylor had all the great things about Brax, plus, plus, plus,” said Walker.
The boys reunited with their father, Jim, last summer. Jim passed away, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, and decades of memories. More than two of those decades he attended Bragg Jam concerts every year, listening to the Brax’s music.
Their legacies live through the music floating through Downtown Macon every last Saturday of July, guitars strumming every Second Sunday, and now at the top of Coleman Hill.