This Day in Georgia History: April 24, 1979

On this day in 1979, the song “Georgia on My Mind” by Albany-born Ray Charles became the official state song of Georgia. Did you know that the well-known Ray Charles’ version of the song is actually a cover? Ray Charles recorded it in 1960 for his album The Genius Hits the Road; however, the music was originally composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Staurt Gorrell in 1930. While the most popular version of the song is by Ray Charles, Willie Nelson also covered it in 1978 for his album Stardust.

Ray Charles was also the first performer inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1979.

Find more interesting facts about Georgia by visiting the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

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