Guitar - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1048353 By Ray Charles. By Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. Arranged by Dan Jones (www.danjonesguitarist.com). Blues,Jazz. Guitar Tab. 6 pages. DanJonesGuitarist #652787. Published by DanJonesGuitarist (A0.1048353). This classic song was composed in 1930 and has become best associated with the single by Ray Charles, recorded in 1960. Ray Charles’ version reached number 1 in the Billboard chart that same year. My solo arrangement is designed for more experienced players. This download gives you a version with just notes and a second with notes and TAB. Both versions also have chord symbols in case players wish to improvise around the sequence. Writers have speculated that the song was written about Carmichael’s sister, named Georgia, but the writer himself state it was inspired by the US state. In 1979 the song was officially designated as the State Song of Georgia. It is perhaps this ambiguity and possible double-meaning of the lyric which make it so alluring. I was introduced to Georgia by a primary school music teacher in the 1970’s. I remember it having a profound impact on me as a child. It is for this reason that I love to play this version for audiences. I usually play the piece from a lead sheet to allow freedom for improvisation, but I felt a published ‘concert’ version may be useful for other players. For a huge range of scores for solo guitar and guitar in ensemble at all levels of learning, please visit www.danjonesguitarist.com A YouTube recording and film will be uploaded before the end of July 2022.
