#4: Got Georgia on My Mind

Looking back on Ray Charles' 1960 classic rendition of the song. Plus, where to find all those catchy violin covers of pop songs in 'Bridgerton.'

Hello, and Happy Kornacki Day to all who celebrate.

As we all collectively flashback to that harrowing week in November where we refreshed the New York Times’ election needles until our thumbs bled, it’s probably safe to say you’ve also got Georgia on your mind. I know for me, I haven’t been able to get Ray Charles’ version of the song out of my head pretty much since the runoff elections were announced.

So today, I wanted to take a look at “Georgia On My Mind.”

The song was actually written in the 1930s by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. Carmichael was a prolific Hollywood-composer and jazz songwriter who also brought us the tune “Stardust.” Gorrell was a friend of Carmichael’s at Indiana University and helped write the lyrics to the song. It seemed to be his only stint in songwriting though, since he went on to become a banker, and never wrote another song again. (Respect.)

It wasn’t until nearly 30 years later when the song was revived back in American popular culture again. Legendary American soul musician Ray Charles recorded and released his version on his album The Genius Hit the Road in 1960. It became an instant hit, skyrocketing to U.S. Billboard’s Hot 100 No. 1 spot for a week in November 1960.

It’s a funny thing, how a song is born. It seems that we have Charles’ driver to thank for this one. The story goes that Charles was singing the original tune so much in the backseat of the car, that his driver ultimately suggested he record it, and make it his own. I guess they don’t call him the Genius for nothing, because Charles took his advice, and revitalized the song until it became so closely related to his iconic gravelly voice and piano playing.

In 1979, Charles’s soulful rendition became the official state song of Georgia. Charles himself was born there, in a town called Albany, in 1930. Even though his family moved to Florida shortly after he was born, Charles said he always considered Georgia home.

It seemed that a whole new generation of Georgians found their home within his version of the song. For years, Charles’s raspy voice could be heard in a montage of scenic pictures from around the state, carrying Georgia Public Television off the air each night.

As the entire nation sets its eyes on Georgia this week, I find it really comforting to think that a state can be unified together through one truly masterful song. No matter where you’re from or how far from home you may be, we can always look to music to bring us right back to where we belong.

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Rec Corner

bits and bops from my archive or around the internet that I feel inclined to share with you all

If you also have been binge-watching “Bridgerton,” you’re definitely gonna want to check out Vitamin String Quartet.

They’re the musical group responsible for the chilling violin covers of “thank u, next” and “bad guy” that turns this historical drama into more of a 21st century Jane Austen/Gossip Girl crossover episode. They’ve been a staple in my study playlists for years now, and are absolutely great to jam too as well.

If you thought you were having a bad week, try being Jason Sudekis. My head is still completely spinning after seeing pics of Hollywood director Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles holding hands. All I can really think is…good for you girl.

That’s it for this week!!

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