With Bix Beiderbecke’s high-pitched muted cornet and Hoagy Carmichael’s sweet, classic voice, the original “Georgia on My Mind” is the perfect example of 1930’s orchestra-backed band music. With Stuart Gorrell’s ambiguous lyrics about Carmichael’s sister, Georgia, the song has become one of the most recognizable state songs. The short and sweet horns accompanied by the flowing woodwinds make the verses bouncy until Beiderbecke’s sad cornet comes in and flitters about. It’s almost as if he’s telling the story while Carmichael stays silent.
As one of his (possibly THE) signature songs, “Georgia on My Mind” is also one of Ray Charles’ most beautiful songs. Beginning with beautiful strings leading into Charles’ bluesy piano, his voice and a bass-y choir as a back drop. Though the song keeps it’s slower, orchestra appeal, Charles jazzes it up. Or should I say “blues’ it up”? This version of the song was recorded in 1960, the orchestral arrangement and the back-up choir has a very 1930’s sound to it, much like the original. But one of America’s most influential artists sprinkles in just the right amount of blues with his South-soaked (he was born in Georgia and grew up in Florida), soulful voice and underwhelming-yet-sprinkly piano.
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