Georgia On My Mind Ray Charles Written by Stuart Gorrell and Hoagy Carmichael in 1930. Georgia on My Mind" is a song written in 1930 by Stuart Gorrell (lyrics) and Hoagy Carmichael (music). It is the official state song of the U.S. state of Georgia. Gorrell wrote the lyrics for Hoagy's sister, Georgia Carmichael. However, the lyrics of the song are ambiguous enough to be referring either to the state or to a woman named "Georgia." Ray Charles recorded it in 1960 on the album, The Genius Hits the Road, and it became Georgia's state song in 1979. Dozens of artists have recorded this song but Charles has the most memorable and lasting recording. In 2003 Rolling Stone Magazine named it as the 44th greaest song of all time.