“Hardhearted Hannah”
Song by Ray Charles
“Hardhearted Hannah” is a humorous song from Ray’s 1961 album Dedicated To You. The titular Hannah is the “vamp of Savannah G.A.”, a vixen who delights in, as the infamous lyrics report, torturing and killing men. Figuratively speaking, presumably, if the song’s broad and brassy goofiness is to be believed.
“Hardhearted Hannah” is silly and jazzy and has become one of Ray’s more well-known songs. It was the B-side to the hit single “Ruby” in November 1960 before showing up on the Dedicated To You LP in January 1961.
Most of the appeal of “Hardhearted Hannah” comes from the continually funny lines in its lyrics and the light, sassy humor of the music. Ray also gets in a jazzy piano solo, softening things somewhat, although his relish in the words kind of defeats the purpose. Also of note is that it represents an early instance of Ray Charles singing about his birth state of Georgia. In this it hearkens back to “Georgia On My Mind”, the hit song released just a few months prior that would go on to be one of his most-famous-ever recordings.
Single releases
“Ruby”
b/w
“Hardhearted Hannah”
Listen to “Hardhearted Hannah”
Get your own “Hardhearted Hannah” on 45, LP, CD or MP3 from Amazon. Or get the out-of-print complete ABC singles 5xCD box set.
Songs on Dedicated To You