8 Comments

I liked all 3. The 1930 version has a nice New Orleans feel. In Casino Royale Ian Fleming describes James Bond as looking like Hoagy Carmichael.

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Thomas, I'm glad. I have a pretty decent collection of 78's that I began collecting about 30 years ago. And I have a victrola to play them on. But I don't have Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia on My Mind." It may be a bit of an acquired taste, listening to recordings from that era, but I really love them all, even with the scratchy needle sounds and the occasional need to quickly crank the machine. I find the old recordings charming.

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I agree, Ray has the definitive version. But I'm a big fan of Willie Nelson's rendition as well. Possibly the second most recognizable version.

As a musician, Georgia is a joy to play. So easy to feel the emotion. The blues. Great pick Mrs. Esolen.

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Thank you, Solomon! I agree about Willie's version. And really, that gravelly voice is a great "asset" to the song, don't you think? Ray Charles really did love country music, and Willy's album of the classics IS a classic, too. I love this song!

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The innocence, the wholesomeness, of Hoagy and Ernie plying their respective trades.

What a treasure.

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Jack, wasn't it splendid? I happened across it and couldn't resist posting it. Hoagy was all delight and sweetness, and Ernie was so kind to him, and sang the song beautifully.

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In 1960 when I was an exchange student at Howard University, I went to the Howard Theater and blessed to see Ray Charles and the Raylets perform. Had Ray recorded Georgia on my Mind by then. I cannot remember for sure but I think it was part of his performance. It was thrilling to be a part of that in Spring of 1960 just a few blocks away..... from the university....

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Onalee, you led a charmed life! What a memory!

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