The bridge, with its lines, “Other arms …” and “OtherĪre major “B” section is in relative minor Though the majority of the lines are ambiguous, Of Georgia and whether or not she is a woman orĪ place. Many discussions of the song comment on the ambiguity “an old sweet song” keeps “Georgia on my mind.” The A sections begin with “Georgia, Georgia” and,Įxcept for the second of these, end describing how Refrain being in the popular 32-bar A-A-B-A form. Mind” is written with an introductory verse the Ray Charles, a native Georgian, which was first recorded in 1958, has been greatly enjoyed by music lovers throughout the world”Īn eloquent ballad of longing, “Georgia on My has been recorded by many outstanding artists, but the rendition by Mr. describes a Georgian’s love for his State, its beautiful melody and lyrics have given the song a worldwide appeal” has an enduring quality that has made it one of the best loved songs in America for many years” On April 24, 1979, the Joint Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly designated “Georgia on My Mind” as the official state song, citing that it Willie Nelson’s 1979 recording won the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.Ĭhart information used by permission from Ray Charles’ number one rendition in 1960 won the R&B crooner two Grammys for Best Performance by a Pop Single Artist and Best Vocal Performance Single Record or Track, Male. Ray Charles (1960, with Ralph Burns and His Orchestra, #1).Gene Krupa (1941, Anita O’Day, vocal, #17).Mildred Bailey (1932, with Matt Malneck and His Orchestra, #19).Frankie Trumbauer and His Orchestra (1931, Art Jarrett, vocal, #10).The first chart appearance of “Georgia on My Mind” was courtesy of Frankie Trumbauer, the man who had suggested the song idea to Carmichael in the first place. But the good news was mixed with the bad his college friend Bill Moenkhaus and fellow musician Bix Beiderbecke would both die at the age of twenty-eight. In 1931, a pivotal and bittersweet year for Carmichael, “ Star Dust” would appear on the pop charts five times, and “Georgia on My Mind” would become a number ten hit.

This recording did not turn out to be a hit, but success was just around the corner.

Hoagy (vocal) Bix Beiderbecke (cornet), Ray Lodwig (trumpet) Jack Teagarden Boyce Cullen (trombone) Jimmy Dorsey (clarinet/alto sax) ‘Bud’ Freeman (tenor sax) ‘Pee Wee’ Russell (alto sax) Irving Brodsky (piano) Joe Venuti (violin) Eddie Lang (guitar), Min Leibrook (bass sax), Chauncey Morehouse (drums). His “orchestra” was an all-star lineup of musicians: Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra recorded the new song on September 15, 1930, in a Victor studio session. Working at an investment company in New York, Carmichael was composing in his spare time and wrote “Georgia on My Mind” at the suggestion of friend and saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer, a musician and bandleader sometimes credited as the “grandfather of modern jazz.”Īccording to Richard Sudhalter in his Carmichael biography, Stardust Melody: The Life and Music of Hoagy Carmichael, Trumbauer asked Carmichael, “Why don’t you write a song about Georgia? Nobody ever lost money writing songs about the South.” Carmichael followed the advice, with Stuart Gorrell thinking of the title and helping out with the lyrics. His most famous work, “ Star Dust” (1929), had been published and recorded but had yet to find success. Half-singing, half-narrating, Carmichael meanders through the song at a lazy swing.”īy 1930 Hoagy Carmichael had already written more than a dozen songs. “In his charming drawl the master himself delivers the definitive version of the song.

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