This is the new jazzy blues single release by Stevie Hawkins, where he delivers a powerful dynamic - soulful rendition of the Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell classic, "Georgia On My Mind". The vibe and production of this recording carries forward the tradition of Ray Charles, with live strings orchestration, acoustic piano, acoustic bass, acoustic guitar and a background vocalists section. "After performing this song for many years at shows, this is one of the great classics I have always wanted to record, and now, have finally done so. I had fun recording the song, especially with the live orchestration behind me. Live strings are magic. Through their vast dynamics and passing chord changes, an orchestra takes you places melodically and emotionally you might not have gone or felt otherwise. I hope people will enjoy this offering of the song and the video", said Hawkins. For the record, the 1930 Carmichael and Gorrell collaboration wasn't written about a place or state. The song was actually written for Carmichael's sister who's name was "Georgia". The song is universally believed to have been written about the state. Stevie Hawkins wanted to convey the song in the light of its original intent, and has done so through visuals in his accompanying video of the song, which can be found on YouTube. Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra first recorded "Georgia On My Mind" on September 15, 1930, in New York, with Bix Beiderbecke on muted cornet, Carmichael on vocals, and featured Eddie Lang on guitar. The recording was part of Beiderbecke's last recording session. The recording was released as Victor 23013 along with "One Night in Havana". In 2014, the recording was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame. "Georgia On My Mind" became a #1 hit in 1960, via its definitive recording by Ray Charles, who recorded the song for his 1960 album "The Genius Hits the Road". It became the official state song of the State of Georgia in 1979. Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981) wrote many now-famous "standards" including the legendary "Stardust" and "Heart and Soul". He appeared in a number of movies, typically as a "singer and piano man", most memorably in the motion picture "To Have and Have Not", with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Carmichael, a native of Indiana, won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1952 with "In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening". He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971. Put on Stevie's rendition of Georgia On My Mind, kick back, and let the melancholy flow. "Georgia On My Mind" Artist: Stevie Hawkins Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell Label: Emphasis Records - EMCDS-010 Publisher: Peer Music III LTD This recording of "Georgia On My Mind" is legally licensed through The Harry Fox Agency, May 9, 2014.