Camp Gordon - World War I - DeKalb County

 Camp Gordon was established in July 1917 as a WWI training camp. It was home to the 82nd Division which became knows as the 82nd Airborne Division in WWII.  Among those who trained at Fort Gordon are future Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Alvin York and my grandfather, Harold C. Hutchens. That's my grandfather seated in the middle!

The camp was officially abandoned in September 1921. 

Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell - The Allman Brothers Band = Bulloch County

One of my favorite songs is Statesboro Blues performed by the Allman Brothers Band.  The Allman Brothers recorded it in 1971.  Rolling Stone rated it number nine on their list of the"100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time"

However, the song was originally recorded in 1928 by its author, Blind Willie McTell.  Born in Thomson, Georgia Mr. McTell once called Statesboro his real home.

 

Here is the rendition by the Allman Brothers in 1971 at Fillmore East.

 

Randall Bramblett - Wayne County

Randall Bramblett is one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters. He was born in Jesup, GA.  This is probably his best known song recorded by Bonnie Raitt. It is entitled Rule the World.

The next one is called Driving to Montgomery.  It is my all time favorite!!

Enjoy!! 

Chatham County - Savannah - Johnny Mercer

Johnny Mercer was one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century.  He was born in Savannah GA on November 18th, 1909. 

Some of my favorites include:

Jeepers Creepers

Hooray for Hollywood

Moon River

On the Atchison, Topeka, and the  Santa Fe

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive

That Old Black Magic

Here is a clip from the Perry Como Kraft Music Hall with Johnny Mercer and Carol Lawrence

To learn more about Johnny Mercer check out the book:

Johnny Mercer: Southern Songwriter For the World by Glenn T. Eskew

Published by The Georgia Press.  Just so you know, I do not receive any compensation, monetarily or otherwise, from The Georgia Press if you decide to purchase the book.

Bartow County Hedy West - Singer Songwriter

Hedy West was a folksinger and songwriter born in Cartersville, GA.  She is most known for her songs "500 Miles" and "Cotton Mill Girl"

500 Miles

Cotton Mil Girl

Baldwin County - A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia

I highly recommend you check out the book, A Literary Guide to Flannery O'Connor's Georgia by Sarah Gordon.  It is available from the University of Georgia Press.  The historic and contemporary photographs are brilliant. Whether you are a Flannery O'Connor fan or simply a fan of Georgia history this book is for you.

Full disclosure:   I do not receive any compensation for the recommendation of this book.  I just really like it.

https://ugapress.org/book/9780820327631/a-literary-guide-to-flannery-oconnors-georgia/

Walton Couhty - James Gideon Tanner

James Gideon Tanner (Gid) was an influential old-time fiddler and was one of the first stars of what would later be called counry music. Gid and his band, The Skillet Lickers, recorded between 1926 and 1934.  This song, Down Yonder, was one of the last recorded by the band in 1934.

Mr. Tanner was born in Walton County.  Most of the sites I find say he was born in or near Thomas Bridge.  I have not been able to find where Thomas Bridge is located.  So if anyone knows I would love to hear from you.   When he was not performing Mr. Tanner spent time on his farm in Gwinnett County. He died in Dacula, GA in 1960. 

Between 1913 and 1935 Mr. Tanner a regular at the Georgia Old-Time Fiddlers' Conventions held in Atlanta. His main rival during these years was Fiddlin' John Carson. it is said that it was usually either Carson or Tanner who won these competitions. Although he stopped recording in 1934, Mr. Tanner continued performing well into his 70's. 

I hope you enjoy the song. It is a treat from the early days of recorded music in Georgia.
 

Stephens County - Toccoa

Stephens County was created in 1905 from parts of Franklin and Habersham Counties. It was named for Alexander Stephens who was a US Representative, VP of the Confederacy, and the 53rd Governor of Georgia.

 

On Nov. 6th, 1977 the Kelly Barnes Dam collapsed after a period of heavy rainfall.  39 people died that day including many at Toccoa Falls Bible College.