University of Georgia Marching Band Retires ‘Gone With the Wind’ Song

Actor Clark Gable in his role as Rhett Butler kissing the hand of a tearful Scarlett O'Hara, played by Vivien Leigh, in 'Gone With The Wind'. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The University of Georgia’s marching band is going to end the tradition of performing the song “Tara’s Theme” from the film “Gone With the Wind” as the post football game concert opener.

The university’s Redcoat Band’s acting director, Brett Bawcum, said in a statement that the tune has been now replaced with “Georgia on My Mind,” which was popularized by Ray Charles before it was designated the official state song of Georgia. According to Bawcum, the band has been discussing whether to stop playing “Tara’s Theme” for months, but the “current social climate has highlighted the urgency of addressing it.”