Georgia On My Mind Doc Severinsen Sheet Music !full! Site
If you want to perform this with a standard jazz ensemble (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, rhythm section), look for the official publications.
The sheet music is only a guide. To capture the phrasing, you must listen to the Tonight Show Band Vol. II version dozens of times.
Doc rarely started a ballad strictly in time. The sheet music often features an unmetered, expressive rubato introduction where the trumpet player can showcase tone, vibrato, and dramatic pauses. georgia on my mind doc severinsen sheet music
Before diving into the specifics of Severinsen's version, it is essential to understand the source material. "Georgia on My Mind" was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). Its origin story is as rich as its melody. The song was first recorded on September 15, 1930, at the RCA Victor Studios in New York City by Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra, featuring the legendary cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. While often rumored to be written about Carmichael's sister, Georgia, Carmichael himself stated that the song was inspired by the state of Georgia, a suggestion from bandleader Frankie Trumbauer.
To truly appreciate Severinsen's version, one must first understand the song's profound legacy. Written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics), the song was first recorded that same year in New York City. It has since become more than just a song; it's the official state song of Georgia, forever immortalized by the iconic 1960 version by Georgia native Ray Charles. Its slow, bluesy melody has made it a beloved standard for jazz musicians, a perfect vehicle for both vocal expression and instrumental soloing. If you want to perform this with a
Doc Severinsen
Master the Soulful Sound: Georgia on My Mind Doc Severinsen Sheet Music II version dozens of times
For aspiring trumpeters, the Doc Severinsen Series from publishers like provides a rare window into the professional standards of the Tonight Show era. Playing through these charts isn't just about reading notes; it's about understanding the "lead" mindset—balancing the volume of a big band with the lyricism required for a Hoagy Carmichael classic. Legacy of the "Arlington Boy" Georgia on My Mind - Doc Severinsen Transcription
Because many of Doc's performances were unique to The Tonight Show , standard commercial publishers may only sell simplified versions. Look for independent jazz transcribers who sell note-for-note transcriptions of his recorded live performances.