Georgia’s Charles Kelley Records Cover for Upcoming Masters Tournament
Charles Kelley is not only part of the country group Lady A. He is also a Georgia native. He grew up right here in Augusta, which led to a love…
Charles Kelley of Lady A releases a cover of “Georgia on My Mind.” (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMA)
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMACharles Kelley is not only part of the country group Lady A. He is also a Georgia native. He grew up right here in Augusta, which led to a love for the game of golf as well. He describes golf as one of his "greatest passions."
Kelley just released a cover of the iconic song, "Georgia on My Mind." And it wasn't just for the sake of it! It's part of ESPN's official commercial for the Masters Tournament this year.
He told Good Morning America, "This song is such a part of my upbringing and a source of pride. I remember singing it in one of my first ever cover bands when I was around 14 years old, at a wedding."
While the song has been covered my many artists, Kelley wanted to find a way to make the song his own. Initially he planned to do a very stripped down version, but wound up added a little bit to it. Kelley says, "I really love the steel guitar parts."
Even though the "Georgia on My Mind" cover by Ray Charles is probably one of the most popular, for Charles Kelley, his favorite is Willie Nelson's version.
Charles Kelley's Augusta and golf roots run deep. Golf was something he grew up doing with his dad and brothers. He ever worked at the driving range at Augusta National Golf Club as a teen! Another fun fact? Kelley's mom used money she made renting her house out for Masters to buy Charles and his brother their first guitar and set of drums. Sounds like a great investment!
Source: Good Morning America
Here's the cover of "Georgia on My Mind" by Charles Kelley:
Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley celebrates his 38th birthday today (9/11), so we take a look at Charles and his Grammy Award winning music career.
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesCharles Kelley from the band Lady Antebellum participates in the 4th Annual Academy of Country Music Motorcycle Ride benefiting the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund held at the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson on May 13, 2007 in Las Vegas Nevada.
Angela Weiss/Getty ImagesDave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of the band Lady Antebellum attend the Backstage Creations celebrity retreat held during the 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17,2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesCharles Kelley, singer Hillary Scott and guitarist Dave Haywood of the band Lady Antebellum arrive at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesDave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum poses with Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals award in the press room during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Bryan Bedder/Getty ImagesDave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum after winning the award for New Artist of the Year pose in the press room during the 42nd Annual CMA Awards at the Sommet Center on November 12, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesDarius Rucker with Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum attend The 43rd Annual CMA Awards - Capitol Records Post Party at Sambuca on November 11, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesDave Haywood, Hillary Scott, and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum arrive at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesCharles Kelley of Lady Antebellum performs onstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Gustavo Caballero/Getty ImagesDave Haywood, Hillary Scott, and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum attend the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesCharles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum attend Vegas Magazine's 16th anniversary party at KAOS Nightclub at Palms Casino Resort on May 17, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
