Georgia On My Mind Doc Severinsen Sheet Music ^new^ Jun 2026
If you cannot find the official chart, many lead trumpet players use the (Real Book, 6th edition, p. 160) and write in Severinsen’s licks by ear—a rite of passage for serious jazz trumpeters.
When you hear the name , you think of brilliant, high-note trumpet playing, flashy outfits, and late-night television. When you hear Georgia on My Mind , you think of Ray Charles’ soulful crooning or Hoagy Carmichael’s wistful original. But the intersection of the two— Doc Severinsen’s arrangement of Georgia on My Mind —is a fiery, virtuosic showpiece for solo trumpet and big band that has become a cult classic among serious trumpet players.
When searching for "Georgia on my Mind" Doc Severinsen sheet music, you are likely looking for a transcription of his solo performance or a specific arrangement he played with the Tonight Show Band or his subsequent touring groups. Here is a breakdown of the musical elements you will encounter in the notation. georgia on my mind doc severinsen sheet music
: Complete arrangements are available for full jazz ensembles, providing parts for: : Lead Trumpet (Doc's part). : Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophones. : 4 Trumpets and 4 Trombones. Rhythm Section : Piano, Bass, and Drums. Musical Highlights Key and Tempo : While the standard jazz key for this ballad is , transcriptions of Doc's version often utilize
In conclusion, Georgia On My Mind as performed by Doc Severinsen remains one of the most sought-after pieces for trumpet players worldwide. It is a piece that bridges the gap between jazz, pop, and classical sensibilities. Whether you are a student looking to improve your range or a professional bandleader wanting to wow an audience, the sheet music for this legendary arrangement is a vital addition to your library. It serves as a reminder of a golden era of television and music, where a single trumpet could capture the spirit of an entire state and the heart of a nation. If you cannot find the official chart, many
Below is a textual representation of the opening melody as Doc plays it (up-tempo swing). For the full 2-page sheet, see the resources above.
Originally written in 1930, Georgia On My Mind has been covered by everyone from Ray Charles to Willie Nelson. However, Doc Severinsen’s rendition stands apart because of its operatic flair and technical precision. His version often features lush orchestral or big band arrangements that provide a cinematic backdrop for his soaring lead lines. When you look at the sheet music for this specific arrangement, you aren't just looking at notes on a page; you are looking at a blueprint for dramatic expression. When you hear Georgia on My Mind ,
Acquiring the sheet music is only the first step. To truly do justice to this arrangement, players must study Severinsen’s use of vibrato and articulation. He often employed a wide, vocal-like vibrato that added a layer of yearning to the "Georgia" theme. Aspiring trumpeters should listen to live recordings of Doc performing the piece alongside their sheet music to understand where he breathes, how he attacks the high peaks, and how he tapers the quiet, intimate endings.