Midnight Train to Georgia 12/22/19

Today's "Great Song of the '70s" has a fascinating history.

Songwriter Jim Weatherly wrote it as a country song called, "Midnight Plane to Houston" and (true story!) based it on a conversation he had with Farrah Fawcett who had just begun dating his friend Lee Majors.

Jim's version didn't do well, but a producer for Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom and quite a singer herself) had her record it with a two-word change: "Midnight Train to Georgia." It was released in England to just about ZERO success. But then, the song was pitched to Gladys Knight...and the rest is history!

In 1973, Gladys & the Pips took the song to #1 on the U.S. Hot 100 AND the Rhythm & Blues chart! In England, the song went to #10 (Sorry, Cissy). In 1999, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Note: Gladys has said she hopes this song can be a comfort to the thousands of talented people who move to L.A. every year to find success, but don't quite make it. I know several people in this category and I understand how it can damage your soul and self-esteem. But if any of you are reading this, please know that those of us back home still love and believe in you.

In case you're interested, here's Jim Weatherly's original version. Prepare yourself! :-)