Thomas Rhett Covers 'Georgia on My Mind' for Masters Tournament

The country star's soulful rendition will be featured in ESPN's 2026 Masters campaign.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:00pm

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Thomas Rhett has recorded a cover of the classic song "Georgia on My Mind" for ESPN's promotional campaign ahead of the 2026 Masters Tournament. The Valdosta, Georgia native says it was a "surreal moment" to put his own spin on the song, which is most famously associated with fellow Georgian Ray Charles.

Why it matters

The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and having a prominent country star like Thomas Rhett contribute an original song for the broadcast adds an extra layer of hometown pride and musical authenticity to ESPN's coverage.

The details

Rhett recorded his version of "Georgia on My Mind" at Blue Highway Records. The song, originally written by Hoagy Carmichael, is most closely tied to Ray Charles' 1960 hit rendition. In a behind-the-scenes video, Rhett says he was honored to be asked to "honor both the song and tradition of the Masters."

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament will take place August 6-12.
  • Rhett recorded his cover of "Georgia on My Mind" in early 2026.

The players

Thomas Rhett

A country music singer-songwriter from Valdosta, Georgia.

Ray Charles

The legendary singer-songwriter from Albany, Georgia, whose 1960 version of "Georgia on My Mind" is the most famous recording of the song.

Hoagy Carmichael

The composer who co-wrote "Georgia on My Mind" in 1930.

ESPN

The sports media network that will feature Rhett's cover of "Georgia on My Mind" in its promotional campaign for the 2026 Masters Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Recording 'Georgia On My Mind' was a pretty surreal moment for me. Being from Georgia, sports and music are both just in my blood. Obviously nobody can touch the original, but it meant a lot to me to be asked to honor both the song and tradition of the Masters.”

— Thomas Rhett

What’s next

Rhett's cover of "Georgia on My Mind" will debut as part of ESPN's promotional campaign for the 2026 Masters Tournament, which runs from August 6-12.

The takeaway

Thomas Rhett's soulful cover of the Georgia-centric classic "Georgia on My Mind" adds a touch of hometown pride and musical authenticity to ESPN's promotional campaign for the 2026 Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events.