My mother's name was Georgia Mae, yep we're Southerners!, and she always loved this song. When she passed in 2013 at 78 years old we played this at her funeral. We were all crying and smiling at the same time with memories of her. She left a legacy of 4 kids, 11 grandkids, 23 great grandkids and 8 great great grandkids!

Jamie Foxx did a spectacular acting job portraying Charles.

Such a great song! Ray Charles was a great singer, songwriter, pianist & composer. He pioneered the soul music genre during the 50's by combining blues, jazz, R&B & gospel styles. He had so many hit songs such as "Hit The Road Jack", "Mess Around", "It Should've Been Me", "Don't You Know", "Midnight Hour", "Sinner's Prayer", "I've Got A Woman", "This Little Girl Of Mine", "A Fool For You", "What'd I Say", "Busted", "Take These Chains From My Heart", "Crying Time" etc.

Ray Charles was Joe Cocker’s biggest influence for vocal style. He arranged to meet Ray at his home. You can easily hear Ray’s style in virtually everything Joe did. Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers did a cover, expertly, 100% in line with Ray’s style as well.

In 1979, Charles played and sang it before the Georgia General Assembly. They made it Georgia's official state song that same year

This is such a beautiful rendition of this song. It remarkably still holds up while the backup vocals give it that classy old-school 50s feel. This song is a vibe all on its own.

Ray Charles was a staple in our house...he was my Dad's favorite singer. His voice brings back so many memories of my childhood in the 1950s-60s.

Ray Charles was just phenomenal. I can't remember a time in my life that I wasn't hearing his music in my home. Shutting your mind down to everything but the music and just feeling it is excellent advice. It feeds the soul and is often better than meds for anxiety.

Welcome to the magic of brilliant Ray Charles. You MUST hear "Hit The Road Jack", "Night TIme is The Rght Time", "What I'd Say", and "I Got a Woman". All upbeat, heavy horns, soulful, makes you want to get up and move. Classic tunes. Enjoy!

One of the most beautiful songs ever. Ray Charles is a legend ❤

Ray's cover of Paul Simon's 'STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEAR' is something to behold. Ray never missed.

There is no better feeling in the world to me than discovering new music. Others are quick to give their opinions, but it is how what you are listening to MAKES YOU FEEL that makes all the difference. Thank you for allowing me to witness your reaction today; never stop expanding your mind.

There is a wonderful duet of Ray Charles and Billy Joel. Billy wrote the song for the duet with his idol, Ray called My Baby Grand from 1986. Billy gave his daughter her middle name in honor of him. Alexa Ray Joel.

Baby Grand - Billy Joel's duet with one of his music heroes, Ray Charles

I don't know if Ray ever did a show without this song after it became a hit. I know I saw him at the Hollywood Bowl in the mid-90s and he sang it. He was an amazing performer, even in his later years.

"...universal power of music..." - truer words were never spoken!

Soul just absolutely DRIPS from every note of this song, as the great Ray Charles croons his way through it. Thanks for your reaction.

Such a great song.

Ray Charles was idolized by Joe Cocker and Chicago's lead guitarist Terry Kath.

Ray was just on a different level.

This was my best friends favorite song. The priest would not allow it at her funeral. Her son later married (outside the Church) and played it prominently. It felt right.

This is one of those songs that gets me teary eyed every time I hear it.

I'm laughing here, at KZfaq and us...not at this guy. He's terrific and allowed us to actually listen, to the song, without interrupting. And then, he responds thoughtfully and intelligently (and succinctly). What i'm laughing at, and laughing at us....he gives a beautiful intro, and then KZfaq directs us to a bug commercial. But, I LOVE KZfaq. It amazingly allows people that live in mountainous backwoods...to have access to eclectic stuff like this guy !

❤❤❤ RAY CHARLES WAS BANNED FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA FOR A LONG TIME...HIS SONG IS THE GEORGIA STATE SONG NOW!!!

There's a marvelous duet he did with Billy Joel as well, "Baby Grand." Perfection -- highly recommended.

I was born in Georgia and live here all my life. This song always gets me and I am so thankful that we have such an excellent official state song. When I was growing up, we had a PBS station that would play this song with a video of different scenes around the state every night at sign-off. I used to make it a point to turn on the TV just to watch it. I was thankful to have gotten a chance to see Ray Charles perform at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Olympics. He was an absolute legend. He had many great songs. My other favorites include "What'd I say", "Mess Around", "(Night time Is) The Right Time", and "I Got a Woman"

Thank you for this one, and for providing it's history. I had the greatest joy seeing Ray Charles in concert, and he included this in the show. I will never forget the respect he got from that audience. It was a date-night classic during my college days, and has remained a favorite across all the decades since. No one has ever rivaled Ray Charles, the very definition of passion and soul.

You absolutely HAVE TO hear Ray's rendition of America The Beautiful!!!

One of those songs that just puts you into a mood. Georgias state song and he got honored in 1979.

Music has the power to bend the emotional fabric of space and time.

This is a beautiful song from such a talented artist♥️👏🏻🎼💫Thank you Bob for request and SalvoG for such a great reaction♥️

Ray Charles was a true genius, a legendary musician who pioneered the genre of soul music; he is the "Father of Soul." He combined blues, gospel, soul, jazz, and, yes, even country music (his "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' is a classic). He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius." No one and I mean NO ONE, is more Iconic than 'Brother Ray'. Music, as we know it, wouldn't be the same without Ray Charles.

This recording was his first break from his usual R&B/Gospel fusion, a crossover hit. Check out Ray's cameo appearance in The Blues Brothers movie.

The tear wipe gets you a subscribe , my friend. Ray is just the epitome of --- cool. This has been on my playlist for 60+ years.

his voice is like butter melting in your mouth.

Georgia made Ray’s version their official state song in the 70s

Always loved the way he sang the line, " as moonlight through the pines ".

I was lucky enough to see Ray Charles live at Diablo Valley College in Concord CA in 1966 or early 1967. What an awesome experience! A very small, intimate setting to see him up close and personal playing the piano. His assistant walked him on stage and to the piano. I believe the Raylettes were singing back up. One of the best memories of my teenage years. I am 74 now and he is still one of my favorite singers.

The great Ray Charles. If you haven't done it yet, you might follow up with Gladys Knight and the Pips, "Midnight Train to Georgia." Ray Charles was an influential voice and legendary in his own time. I'd say he's as American as apple pie.

The late, great Ray Charles! Great reaction! You should react to Ray and Willie Nelson collab on "7 Spanish Angels"!

Ray's singing of "Georgia" should bring to mind the emerging Civil Rights Movement . Ray was singing with equal parts of Love, Longing, and Pain. Even though the lyrics don't say it, the performance sends the message. Georgia was completely segregated at the time. They violently enforcing "Whites Only" resturants, bathrooms, hotels, and suppressed Black voting. Black musicians couldn't eat in the White Theaters they were performing in! Ray's performance of "Georgia" is about his loving a place that does not really love him.

There is nobody like Ray. The definition of an icon

Soothes the soul. He made a cameo in the 1980s Blues Brothers movie.

I'm 51years old and we had this on 8 track. Thank you for the memories ❤

"What'd I Say" is a must do for Ray Charles.

My Poppa was a jazz pianist and this brings back so many memories from childhood. Ray Charles G.O.A.T ❤

Check out Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful.

God Bless America by Ray makes this man cry.

That was special. To see a genuine reaction to what some of us know to be truly great and soulful. That’s why I’m here.

Salvo, everything you said about quieting and really listening, eyes closed. Well, my friend that is how us older fans of yours listened to ALL our music. First you had to work to get the money ( picking peaches and cashing in pop bottles for me) to buy the 45 or album, then you went to your room or where ever the turn table in your house was, had to wait til brothers and sisters weren't around and we SLOWLY opened the record, reading every bit of information on it and placed it on the turntable and GENTLY lowered the needle. THEN the eyes closed and the magic began. I'm so happy you started this channel, it's great for us but I see what it does to you and that makes me happy....cause YOU get it. Blessings to you dear young man.

Hoagie Carmichael was a musical genius.

The love of this man was solidified by decades of his consistently gorgeous vocals and his charm. I saw him in a club in the 80s it was a dream 😊

He had the best back up singers in music.

Very few songs reach deep in the soul. I saw him perform this in concert 1962. The audience was transfixed.

5:31 You made me cry!!! Dang it!!

You MUST react to his version of America the Beautiful. What a gift Ray Charles was. I have MANY songs that take me somewhere or back in time. It's beautiful.

His voice is like butter

Check out I Got a Woman by the wonderful,soul pioneer,Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx did a great job in the biopic.

Ray Charles was brilliant....and this one is worthy of many tears!!!💜💜🎵🎼🎶🎤🎹🎸🥁🔥🔥🔥

Get a glass of wine, sit in front of a fire pit, and listen to this entire album. Great experience.

Ray is an absolute legend. A great R&B singer, he singlehandedly invented Soul by combining R&B with Gospel (which angered a lot of church people!) Then he unexpectedly recorded some country & western and "American Songbook" standards. This song is one of the latter, and is now regarded as the definitive version of the song. Filled with emotion, and brilliant. If you haven't seen it, watch the biopic "Ray"... and listen to his song "What'd I Say".

I got to hear him sing this live in Miami over 30 years ago. I knew it would be a memory of a lifetime.❤RIP.

I guess it’s a southern thang! When I was pregnant I would put this song on and put my head phones on my belly- my daughter was named after this- Georgia Raye

You nailed your response on this one... bravo

Ray Charles was a national treasure. Even though planet Earth has a lot of problems right now, disappearing into music once in a while is a very healing, soothing and creative way to escape for a moment. If you're lucky, you'll nab what I call an "earworm" (music that won't leave your head ... you hear every note, instrument and lyric until it has finished soothing your problems). There was no one like him ... never will be. We are so full of talent, creativity and joy, it makes you wonder why we do the things we're doing? Visit and react to Yanni. He'll fill your world!

Such a beautiful classic.

The state of Georgia adopted this song as their official state song. He was honored at the state capitol.

This was Ray's song - as much as AT LAST! was Etta James' song. Really oughta hear Etta on her debut album AT LAST! singing the title track.

A singular talent. If you really want to cry look for Leon Russell and Ray Charles at Willie Nelson's birthday show. Shortly before Ray's passing. he made Willie cry as they sang " A Song for You" written by Leon.

Ray Charles is easily the greatest musician and artist of all time in my opinion

I love your comments. Come visit our beautiful state of Georgia. You will love our beaches.

Simple Beautiful

Marvin, what an awesome memory. Thank you for sharing!😊

You have to watch the movie RAY. Jaime Fox won an Oscar for his potrrayal of Ray.

Perhaps the best recording ever......... of any song. I always thought the backup singers sounded like The Pied Pipers.

Great reaction! Listen to Billy Joel and Ray Charles - Baby Grand. Billy is a huge fan of Ray’s. He even gave his daughter, Alexa, Ray has her middle name in honor of him.

Chillzzzz and tears ❤. Saw him at The Cave in Vancouver in the 70s. Epic, never forgotten how that felt.

Beautiful reaction, thank you so much!

Close your eyes! How true. Love your reaction which I saw second time. My eyes were closed first time. ❤

Chills...... Every. Damn. Time.

It is amazing on your channel what songs make you cry.......and we the listeners have no clue why because you don't even tell us. Landslide by Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac.......Bridge Over Trouble Water by Simon & Garfunkel......Heart Of The Sunrise by Yes......Silver Spring by Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac.........and Now Georgia by The Great Late Ray Charles....It amazes me how these songs touch you...why?

Unchain My Heart - and - You Don't Know Me, are my favorite songs from Ray Charles

When I was a pre-teen white kid in the 50s in Scotland, seeing and hearing Nat King Cole and especially Ray Charles, on imported American TV shows, was my first inkling that the music I liked was by black performers. My Music taste grew to include many genres but at the heart it was always predominently MOBI. And I still bought Ray's albums throughout my life. I've been sold since "Hit the Road, Jack". If you react to it, please use the sudio version. The Raylettes alone on this are worth the price of admission.

Classic. Timeless.

Me mum's favorite song ... thank you for doing it justice. ♥︎

My FAVORITE song …

Ray sang with so much emotionYou need to react to the song Ray sang with Billy Joel calledMy Baby Grand

Ray can rock also. True icon

From the heart, timeless

This being me to tears every time

Tremendous! I highly recommend the movie "Ray". Jamie Fox won the Oscar for his inspired portrayal of Ray Charles. There is video of Jamie meeting Ray & sitting at the piano with him to learn how he moved in general & how he played the piano, specifically. "What'd I Say" is my favorite along with "Hit the Road Jack". Both are more upbeat & have an infectious groove.

Love your reactions....you have a warm heart. ❤

For another one by Ray Charles, I really recommend "What a Wonderful World".

Willie Nelson also did a great Georgia on My Mind!

Great choice! I love this song! For some reason it became my husband's and my wedding song 23 years ago when our good friend decided to play a soulful rendition of it at our wedding. Makes me emotional to listen to it until today (still happily married btw!).

You should react to I Can't Stop Loving You And Lonely Avenue. You would LOVE them. Also, hardly ANYONE reacts to Brenda Lee Emotions and I'm Sorry. Powerful. Stunning vocals. I hope you do

I have made this request before, but after hearing you talking about closing your eyes and just enjoying the experience, I ask again for you to react to Enya, an Irish singer who lives in a castle in Ireland and makes the most relaxing and comforting music I know of. My personal favorite song is "Only Time", but you can't go wrong with any of her music. Thanks for your awesome reactions. You have become one of my favorite reactors.

I think you would also like "Georgia on My Mind" by: Conway Twitty and Sam Moore, it's an excellent cover of this wonderful song and you won't regret going and giving it a listen!

If you haven't heard these...'"America the Beautiful " and "Hit the Road Jack" are amazing

Listen to Lucky Ol Sun. Heart wrenching. Ray was also blind.