While Ray Charles made Georgia on My Mind world-famous, the song was originally written by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics) in 1930. Carmichael was a celebrated composer and pianist who is known for jazz standards like Stardust and Lazy River.
Stuart Gorrell was a college friend of Carmichael who wrote the lyrics as a tribute, possibly to a woman, not the state.
In addition, Ray Charles, a Georgia native soul singer, recorded the most iconic version, adding deep emotion and turning the song into a national treasure.
About the Song’s History and Cultural Significance
Georgia on My Mind is one of the most beloved songs in music history. Originally written in 1930, the song began as a jazz-inspired ballad with deeply emotional lyrics that expressed longing, love, and a sense of nostalgia.
Though some listeners assume it refers to the U.S. state of Georgia, the original inspiration may have been a woman named Georgia, a personal muse for lyricist Stuart Gorrell.
The song remained popular throughout the 20th century, but it reached global status when Ray Charles recorded his version in 1960. Charles, a Georgia native, brought a powerful emotional depth to the track, blending elements of gospel, blues, and jazz.
His version connected so strongly with listeners that in 1979, the state of Georgia officially adopted it as its state song. It has since been covered by countless artists across genres, from Willie Nelson to Michael Bublé.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 1960 |
| Album | The Genius Hits the Road |
| Writer | Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell |
| Producer | Sid Feller |
Complete Lyrics of Georgia on My Mind
Verse 1
Georgia
Georgia
The whole day through
(The whole day through)
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
(Georgia on my mind)
Verse 2
I said a-Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
(A song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines
Refrain
Other arms a-reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still, in the peaceful dreams, I see
The road leads back to you
Verse 3
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, oh)
Refrain
Other arms a-reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still, in peaceful dreams, I see
The road leads back to you
Verse 4
Oh, oh
Georgia
Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
(Georgia on my mind)
Outro
I said, just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
Live Performance of The Song
Similar Songs Like Georgia on My Mind
If Georgia on My Mind stirred something deep in you, you’re not alone. Ray Charles had a rare gift for turning raw emotion into melody.
- Hit the Road Jack: With its catchy piano rhythm and back-and-forth vocals, this song tells a bold goodbye story with attitude, charm, and unforgettable style.
- I Can’t Stop Loving You: This heartfelt ballad captures the sadness of lost love. Ray’s tender voice and the slow melody make it deeply emotional and timeless.
- You Don’t Know Me: This gentle, heartbreaking song shares the pain of unspoken love. The lyrics are soft, honest, and sung with powerful honesty and grace.
Similar Artists Like Georgia on My Mind
Below are five performers whose timeless sound and emotional depth echo Ray’s legacy — each one continuing the story he helped begin in American music.
- Sam Cooke
Genre: Soul / Gospel / R&B
Top albums: Songs by Sam Cooke (1957), Night Beat (1963), Ain’t That Good News (1964), The Best of Sam Cooke (1962) - Aretha Franklin
Genre: Soul / Gospel / R&B
Top albums: I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Young, Gifted and Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972) - Otis Redding
Genre: Soul / Southern Soul / R&B
Top albums: Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (1965), The Soul Album (1966), Dictionary of Soul (1966), The Dock of the Bay (1968) - Stevie Wonder
Genre: Soul / Funk / Pop
Top albums: Talking Book (1972), Innervisions (1973), Songs in the Key of Life (1976), Hotter than July (1980) - Nat King Cole
Genre: Jazz / Traditional Pop / Vocal
Top albums: Unforgettable (1952), Love Is the Thing (1957), The Very Thought of You (1958), After Midnight (1956)
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Georgia on My Mind Received Any Special Recognition?
Yes, Ray Charles’ 1960 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993, and the original 1930 recording was inducted in 2014.
How was Georgia on My Mind Recorded?
The recording session was done live with Ray Charles and his band playing together, capturing a raw and soulful performance in just three takes.
Has Georgia on My Mind Appeared in Popular Culture?
Yes, it has been featured in films, TV shows (like Designing Women), and commercials, and is considered part of the Great American Songbook tradition.
