About the song
“Georgia on My Mind” is a beloved song with a rich history that dates back to 1930. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, the song was first recorded by Carmichael himself at the RCA Victor Studios in New York City. While Carmichael’s original version set the stage for what would become a musical classic, it is the rendition by Ray Charles that has deeply resonated with audiences and cemented the song’s place in American music history.
Ray Charles, a native of Georgia, recorded “Georgia on My Mind” for his 1960 album *The Genius Hits the Road*. His soulful interpretation of the song transformed it into an anthem for his home state and an iconic piece of American music. In 1979, the State of Georgia honored Ray Charles by designating his version of the song as its official state song. This tribute underscored Charles’s profound connection to the state and his impact on its musical legacy.
The song’s journey did not end there. It has become a staple of the Great American Songbook, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance. “Georgia on My Mind” has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame twice: first in 1993 for Ray Charles’s 1960 recording and again in 2014 for the original 1930 recording by Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra. This dual recognition highlights the song’s timeless quality and its evolution through different eras of music.
The creation of “Georgia on My Mind” is also a story of collaborative effort and serendipity. Hoagy Carmichael initially wrote the song inspired by a suggestion from saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer, who jokingly provided the opening words “Georgia, Georgia.” Carmichael, along with his roommate Stuart Gorrell, developed the song, with Gorrell penning the lyrics. Despite Gorrell’s name not appearing on the copyright, Carmichael ensured that he received royalty payments for his contribution.
The original 1930 recording, featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet, captures the song’s early jazz influences. Over the decades, Ray Charles’s soulful version has become the definitive interpretation, beloved by generations and celebrated for its emotional depth and musical brilliance. “Georgia on My Mind” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke a sense of place and personal connection.
Video
Lyrics
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said Georgia
Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
I said Georgia
Oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Whoa-whoa, Georgia
Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind