Devil Went Down to Georgia

The Charlie Daniels Band, Charlie Daniels

About Devil Went Down to Georgia

"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections. The song is written in the key of D minor. Vassar Clements originally wrote the basic melody an octave lower, in a tune called "Lonesome Fiddle Blues" released on Clements' self-titled 1975 album on which Charlie Daniels played guitar. The Charlie Daniels Band moved it up an octave and put words to it. The song's verses are closer to being spoken rather than sung (i. e., recitation), and tell the story of a boy named Johnny, in a variant on the classic deal with the Devil. The performances of Satan and Johnny are played as instrumental bridges. The song was the band's biggest hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100, prevented from further chart movement by "After The Love Has Gone" by Earth, Wind and Fire and "My Sharona" by The Knack. It is featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, whose choreographer, Patsy Swayze, claims that she set the song's tempo. "How fast can you dance it?" Daniels asked. "How fast can you play it?" Swayze replied, but considering that the song was recorded in December 1978 and Urban Cowboy was filmed in 1979, it would have been impossible for Swayze to set the recorded song's tempo. more »

Year:: 1999
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Playlists:: #1

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Charlie Daniels

Charles Edward "Charlie" Daniels (born on October 28, 1936) is an American musician known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is perhaps best known for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and multiple other songs he has written and performed. Daniels has been active as a singer since the early 1950s. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 24, 2008. more »

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10 facts about this song

Song Origin "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a country song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album "Million Mile Reflections".
Chart Success The single reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's biggest hit and making them widely recognized.
Pop Culture Significance The song is often used in pop culture references, appearing in films, television shows, and video games, such as Urban Cowboy, Guitar Hero III, and "The Muppets".
Musical Composition The song's narrative is structured as a duel between the devil and a young man named Johnny. Interestingly, the song features a fiddle duel - one performed with an electric guitar to represent the devil and an acoustic one for Johnny.
Awards and Accolades "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1979. Also, it was awarded Single of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
Influence The song has been covered by numerous country and rock artists, including Primus, the Toy Dolls, and the Zac Brown Band featuring Chris Cornell.
Controversial Version In 1993, a re-recorded version was released, known as "The Devil Comes Back to Georgia". This version featured Johnny Cash as the narrator, Travis Tritt as the devil, and Marty Stuart as Johnny, with Daniels returning to his role as the song's main character.
Song Record The song is notable for its fast pace and the technical proficiency required to perform it on the fiddle. This fact has resulted in it being used for auditions and performances in reality competitions and talent shows.
Script Writing Evidently inspired by the poem "The Mountain Whippoorwill" by Stephen Vincent Benet, the song features a story about a fiddling contest between a boy named Johnny and the devil.
Artist's Pride On record, Charlie Daniels has mentioned "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" as his favorite and signature song.

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