Portmans Music Superstore Celebrates 90 Years as Georgias Oldest Continuous Music Retailer
Portman’s Music Superstore, located on Savannah’s historic Broughton Street, marked its 90th anniversary on June 12, 2026. The store, founded in 1936 by Ben and Pearl Portman, is the oldest continuously operated music retailer in Georgia.
The Portman family traces its musical roots back to 1910, when Sam Portman—Ben’s father—sold instruments out of a pawn shop on Broughton Street. The current owner, Jerry Portman, began working in the store in the 1950s under his parents and later took over the business with his wife Myra. According to the company, Jerry handled all aspects of the operation, from customer service to delivery of instruments and equipment throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Portman’s began as a full‑line music store, a first for the state. The business offered instrument rentals, lessons for multiple instruments, and in‑store repair and maintenance services. Over the decades, the store expanded its product mix to include electric guitars, basses, keyboards, and professional sound and public‑address systems for schools, churches, and stadiums.
The store has long prioritized music education. The Portman family claims that Portman’s helped launch band programs in nearly every public and private school in the Coastal Empire, South Georgia, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Today, the company maintains four locations—Savannah, Brunswick, Augusta, and Albany—and continues to supply instruments and equipment for school band programs across the region.
Portman’s has received recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). The company was named a NAMM Top 100 Music Dealer in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
"Everything for the musician" is the motto that has guided the business since its founding. Jerry Portman says the family’s longevity is rooted in that philosophy. "We always follow that motto, and that’s why not only do we sell electric guitars and basses, but we’ve got departments," he said.
The 90‑year milestone is framed as a celebration of community impact. The Portman family notes that generations of musicians have received their first instrument or lesson at Portman’s. The store’s history is intertwined with the local music scene, and its continued operation reflects the sustained demand for quality instruments and education services.
Industry context
Portman’s longevity illustrates the resilience of family‑owned music retailers in a market that has seen many chain closures. The company’s ability to adapt—adding PA systems, expanding into multiple cities, and maintaining a strong educational partnership—has kept it competitive.
The store’s focus on school band programs aligns with broader industry trends that emphasize music education as a key revenue stream for retailers. By offering rental services and lesson support, Portman’s provides a model for other retailers seeking to diversify beyond retail sales.
Future outlook
The company has not announced any major expansion plans beyond its existing four locations. However, it continues to serve a broad customer base that includes private musicians, school districts, and community organizations.
Portman’s 90th anniversary is a milestone that highlights nearly a century of service to musicians and educators in Georgia and the surrounding region. The store’s history and ongoing operations demonstrate the enduring role of local music retailers in supporting community music education and performance.
