The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia True Story
The Origins of the Song
“The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” is a song that tells the story of a man named Andy Wolloe who returns home to find his wife cheating on him with his brother. Andy kills his brother in a fit of rage and is later executed for the crime. The song was written by Bobby Russell and was first recorded by Vicki Lawrence in 1972. It became a hit and was later covered by several other artists, including Reba McEntire.
The song was inspired by a real-life event that took place in Georgia in the 1950s. Russell heard the story from a friend who had lived in the area where the events had occurred. He was fascinated by the story and decided to turn it into a song.
The True Story Behind the Song
The events that inspired “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” took place in the town of Valdosta, Georgia in 1957. The story goes that a man named Joe South returned home from the army to find that his wife was cheating on him with his brother. In a fit of rage, he shot and killed his brother. He was later convicted of the crime and sentenced to death.
The story became a local legend and was passed down through the years. Bobby Russell heard the story from a friend who had lived in the area and was inspired to write a song about it. He changed the names and some of the details, but the basic plot remained the same.
The Movie Adaptation
In 1981, a movie adaptation of “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” was released. The movie starred Kristy McNichol and Dennis Quaid and was directed by Ronald F. Maxwell. The plot of the movie was similar to the song, but there were some differences, such as the fact that the main character was a woman instead of a man.
The movie was not a critical success, but it did well at the box office and has since become a cult classic. It is remembered for its campy style and over-the-top performances by its cast.
The Legacy of the Song
“The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” has become an iconic piece of pop culture. It has been covered by several artists and has been used in movies and TV shows. It is remembered for its catchy tune and its dark and twisted story. It is also remembered as a testament to the power of storytelling and how a real-life event can inspire a work of art.
Conclusion
The story behind “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” is a fascinating one. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and how a real-life event can inspire a work of art. The song and movie have become iconic pieces of pop culture and are remembered for their dark and twisted storylines. Despite its flaws, the movie adaptation remains a cult classic and is enjoyed by many to this day.