It is appropriate that the official State song should be a beautiful song that has wide appeal throughout the country, and “Georgia on My Mind” is an outstanding example of these qualities. Ray Charles, a native Georgian, which was first recorded in 1958, has been greatly enjoyed by music lovers throughout the world. “Georgia on My Mind” has been recorded by many outstanding artists, but the rendition by Mr. Hoagy Carmichael, has an enduring quality that has made it one of the best-loved songs in America for many years.Īlthough “Georgia on My Mind” describes a Georgian’s love for his state, its beautiful melody and lyrics have given the song a worldwide appeal. The song “Georgia on My Mind,” with lyrics by Mr. “Hit the Road, Jack” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” are his others. This was the first of three #1 singles on the US Hot 100 for Ray Charles. Here the four that came after Charles’ recording: The album also won for Best Male Vocal Performance Album, and another song on the album, “Let the Good Times Roll,” won for Best R&B Performance, giving Charles a total of four Grammys in 1960.įive different versions of this song have made the US Hot 100. This won Grammy awards for Best Male Vocal Recording and Best Pop Song Performance. This was recorded quickly in New York City – it took only four takes to complete (compared to Charles’ usual 10-12 takes). The orchestra was arranged by Ralph Burns, Woody Herman’s pianist. His family moved to Florida when he was still a baby. Charles’ version is by far the most famous.Ĭharles decided to record this song after his driver suggested it, since Ray kept singing it while riding in the car. Many artists have recorded it over the years, including Louis Armstrong, James Brown (a Georgia native), Django Reinhardt, and Willie Nelson. This was a #10 hit for a jazz saxophone player named Frankie Trumbauer in 1931. Carmichael and Gorrell didn’t live in Georgia, but Carmichael did have a sister named Georgia. It’s possible that this was written about a woman, not the state. On April 24, 1979, this became the official state song of Georgia. Charles had an incredible 75 songs in the top 100, 11 top 10 hits, and 3 number 1 hits. The song peaked at #1 in the Billboard 100 in 1960. Carmichael was an actor, performer, and popular songwriter, some of his other compositions include “Stardust” and “Winter Moon.” Gorrell was a banker living in New York City, and he wrote the lyrics. This was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930. One of the most beautiful songs ever…and Ray’s voice made it that much better. I first heard this at home because my mom had Ray Charles’s greatest hits.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |