Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind

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

1) This lyrics refer to "an old sweet song." What old sweet song is a favorite of yours?  I couldn't decided between these two.

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?  So many places have beautiful scenery, but the most recent place that left me in awe was the coast of Maine.

 

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.  I honestly don't remember a time. I've been blessed with supportive family and friends my whole life.

 
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?  Softball, basketball, the school newspaper, the yearbook, and I was a library assistant.

 

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?  I don't really fear them, nor do I embrace them like my husband. I'll just say I have a healthy respect for heights.

 

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?  I still handwrite notes to myself. I've never gotten into the habit of using my phone for things like that.

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?  

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?  I used to be, but now that it's populated by Tik Tok "stars" and other media influencers that I've never heard of....not so much.

 

9) Random question: Do you ever carry a backpack?  A backpack is my "purse" of choice for work.

I promise I'll get around to visit everyone tomorrow (Saturday), but it will be later as my daughter and I are taking all our beaded stuff to an event. Wish us luck! 

Oh, and thanks to Crazy Sam for the music and questions! If you're new to Saturday 9, join in the fun here.