Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind

Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind (1978)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics refer to "an old sweet song." What old sweet song is a favorite of yours?

A. My grandmother used to sing "A Bicycle Built for Two" to me when I was sad, upset, or had skinned up something.

 

2) Composer Hoagy Carmichael said he was inspired by saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer to write a song about Georgia. In those days, bands traveled by bus and Frankie enjoyed rolling through Georgia. Hoagy recalled that Frankie even volunteered the first two words, "Georgia, Georgia ..." If we were to organize a Saturday 9 bus trip, where would you recommend we go for lovely scenery?

A. I would recommend a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not far from me and there are lovely views of the mountains.

 

3) This version of "Georgia on My Mind" was controversial before it was even recorded. Willie Nelson's label, Columbia, didn't see the point of their outlaw country star singing an old standard that was associated with Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Willie had the last laugh. This record was a hit and Willie won a Grammy. Tell us about a time when you were a success despite opposition.

A. I don't think anyone expected me to have much of a career as a writer. Maybe I didn't, to their way of thinking, but I have written and published literally thousands of articles over the last 40 years. You don't do that by luck. That takes perseverance and sweat equity. It might not be words bound up in a book, but it's an impressive collection of words all the same.

 

4) While it's at odds with his "outlaw" image, Willie was a popular and active high school student. He played three sports and was a member of Future Farmers of America. What school activities did you participate in during your teen years?

A. I was a member of the National Honor Society, I played in the band, and I was on the debate team for a time. 

 

5) Willie once worked as a tree trimmer, so clearly he didn't suffer from acrophobia. How about you? Do you have a fear of heights?

A. I don't have a fear of heights, per se, but I don't like elevators. I once went to visit someone in the hospital, and I got off the elevator and fainted. I guess that's as good a place as any for a fear to overcome you.

 

6) He wrote the lyrics to one of his biggest hits, "On the Road Again," during a flight, using the airplane barf bag as scrap paper. That was back in 1980. In 2025, do you handwrite onto note paper, or do you make all your "notes to self" digitally?

A. I make my notes on both, actually. Some reminders are digital, some are on a paper calendar.

7) In 1978, when Willie was singing "Georgia on My Mind," audiences were flocking to see the movie Grease. What's your favorite song from Grease?

A. "Hopelessly Devoted to You."

8) Also in 1978, Karina Smirnoff was born. After spending her early years in the Ukraine, she came to America and found success on Dancing with the Stars. Are you a DWTS fan?

A. I have never seen the show.

 

9) Random question: Do you ever carry a backpack?

A. Not since I finished college. I used to carry one to class all the time; it was a great way to keep my schoolbooks and my work for the newspaper separate. 

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I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.