Ray Charles Genius Album

Ray Charles (aka Hallelujah I Love Her So) Atlantic 8006 Released June, 1957 Ray’s debut album was heavily stocked with hit singles that had already reached Number One on the R&B singles charts: “I’ve Got A Woman,” “A Fool For You,” “Maryann,” and “Drown In My Own Tears.” Released as “Ray Charles” in 1957, and re-released in 1962 as “Hallelujah I Love Her So”. Rae Carruth more. Tracks Ain’t That Love Drown In My Own Tears Come Back Baby Sinner’s Prayer Funny (But I Still Love You) Losing Hand A Fool For You Hallelujah I Love Her So Mess Around This Little Girl Of Mine Mary Ann Greenbacks Don’t You Know I’ve Got A Woman Get it Now: –. Ray Charles At Newport Atlantic 1289 Released October, 1958 The Newport Jazz Festival was Ray’s initiation into the jazz circuit, even though he was slated to play on the Festival’s first “Blues Night.” The concert was recorded “live” on July 8, 1958. The young boppers flocked to Ray who started out the set with jazz, moved onto his R&B hits and closed with the rockin’ “I’ve Got A Woman.” Many felt that Ray’s Newport appearance helped move jazz towards a “back to roots” movement. At the end of 1958, Downbeat Magazine named Ray Charles their “Best Male Star – New Singer”. Tracks (Night Time Is) The Right Time In A Little Spanish Town I’ve Got A Woman Blues Waltz Hot Rod (The Spirit – Feel) Talkin’ ‘Bout You Sherry A Fool For You Get it Now: – iTunes. Atlantic 8025 Released October, 1958 Legendary recording engineer Tom Dowd introduced the new world of eight-track recording to Ray Charles on the sessions for this album, and before long, Ray was using the technology to record his music in ways it never been presented before.

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By this time, girl group The Cookies were doing backing vocals and would soon become The Raeletts. Tracks What Would I Do Without You It’s All Right I Want To Know Yes Indeed Get On The Right Track Baby Talkin’ ‘Bout You Swanee River Rock (Talkin’ ‘Bout That River) Lonely Avenue Blackjack The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again I Had A Dream I Want A Little Girl Heartbreaker Leave My Woman Alone Get it Now: –. What’d I Say Atlantic 8029 Released September, 1959 Ray Charles gets his first Top Ten pop hit and first Gold Record Award with the single, “What’d I Say.” The song gets play on both the R&B and mainstream pop charts, sparking a new sub-genre of R&B called “soul.” It is widely considered to be one of the most influential songs in R&B and Rock and Roll history. Rolling Stone ranked it as #10 on their list of the “500 Greatest Rock and Roll Songs of All-Time” in 2004. Tracks What’d I Say Jumpin’ In The Mornin’ You Be My Baby Tell Me How Do You Feel What Kind Of Man Are You Rockhouse Roll With My Baby Tell All The World About You My Bonnie That’s Enough Get it Now: –. The Genius of Ray Charles Atlantic 1312 Released October, 1959 This is the all-American pop album Ray Charles had always dreamed of recording, with a full orchestra and strings.

Quincy Jones and Ralph Burns wrote the charts. Atlantic Records’ VP Jerry Wexler stated that they had wanted to use the “Genius” title, but held back for two years. On this album, there was absolutely no doubt that the time was right and the title fit. The album won the 1960 Grammy Award in the Pop category for “Best Vocal Performance – Album” as well as the 1960 Grammy for “Best Rhythm & Blues Performance” on “Let The Good Times Roll.” Tracks Let The Good Times Roll It Had To Be You Alexander’s Ragtime Band Two Years Of Torture When Your Lover Has Gone ‘Deed I Do Just For A Thrill You Won’t Let Me Go Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ Am I Blue Come Rain Or Come Shine Get it Now: –. Ray Charles In Person Atlantic 8039 Released May, 1960 Many consider this recording to be the best documentation of a “live” Ray Charles performance.

It is Ray’s first, last and only unintended album, recorded with a single mike, high above the stage at Atlanta’s Herndon Stadium by disc jockey Zenas Sears. Though Sears only wanted to use bits of the recording to advertise other “live” concerts, Atlantic’s Jerry Wexler was totally knocked out by the tape, and convinced Ray to put out this live recording. Tracks (Night Time Is) The Right Time What’d I Say Yes Indeed The Spirit – Feel Frenesi Drown In My Own Tears Tell The Truth Get it Now: –. Genius Hits The Road ABC/Paramount 335 Released July 1960 With a theme revolving around various parts of the U.S., this concept album was Ray’s first release on the ABC/Paramount label. It reaches #9 on the pop album charts and a #1 hit single with “Georgia On My Mind,” which also won two Grammy Awards in 1960 for “Best Performance by a Pop Single Artist” and “Best Performance Single Record or Track” Tracks Alabamy Bound Georgia On My Mind Basin Street Blues Mississippi Mud Moonlight In Vermont New York’s My Home California, Here I Come Moon Over Miami Deep In The Heart Of Texas Carry Me Back To Old Virginny Blue Hawaii Chattanooga Choo-Choo Get it Now: –.

Genius + Soul = Jazz Impulse 2 Released February, 1961 Ray Charles recorded this Big Band album over a two-day session with several members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Phillip Guilbeau is featured extensively on trumpet, and Ray played the Hammond B3 organ for the first time on a recording. “One Mint Julep” became Ray’s first instrumental hit, reaching #1 on the R&B charts and #8 on the pop charts. Tracks From The Heart I’ve Got News For You Moanin’ Let’s Go One Mint Julep I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town Stompin’ Room Only Mister C Strike Up The Band Birth Of The Blues Get it Now: – iTunes.

Ray Charles and Betty Carter ABC/Paramount 385 Released July, 1961 Ray Charles said that Betty Carter had “a free jazz voice; she had a floating quality that haunted me.” When he found out that Betty was also signed to ABC Records, he was delighted and felt that they should record together. The seduction play Ray and Betty created in “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is a perfect example of why Ray considered this project “pure pleasure.” Tracks Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye You And I Intro: Goodbye/We’ll Be Together Again People Will Say We’re In Love Cocktails For Two Side By Side Baby, It’s Cold Outside Together For All We Know Takes Two To Tango Alone Together Just You, Just Me Get it Now: – iTunes. The Genius Sings The Blues Atlantic 8052 Released September, 1961 Covering ground from his first session with Atlantic to his last, this compilation showcased Ray Charles stylistic development as an artist, with a combination of piano blues, jazz and R&B. It is a great collection from his years at Atlantic Records. Tracks Early In The Mornin’ Hard Time (No One Knows Better Than I) The Midnight Hour (Night Time Is) The Right Time Feelin’ Sad Ray’s Blues I’m Movin’ On I Believe To My Soul Nobody Cares Mr. Charles’ Blues Some Day Baby (Worried Life Blues) I Wonder Who Get it Now: –.

Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music ABC/Paramount 410 Released April, 1962 In a move that surprised everyone but himself, Ray Charles totally changed direction, and recorded a landmark album of country western music. He single-handedly gave this music mass appeal, and also succeeded in bending racial barriers in music with this blend of soul and country.

Ray loved the lyrics, the story and the emotion contained in these songs. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” spent five weeks at #1 on the pop charts and 16 weeks at #1 on the R&B charts and won the 1962 Grammy Award for “Best Rhythm and Blues Recording”.

Four charting singles received airplay on country, pop and R&B radio. Tracks Bye Bye, Love You Don’t Know Me Half As Much I Love You So Much It Hurts Just A Little Lovin’ Born To Lose Worried Mind It Makes No Difference Now You Win Again Careless Love I Can’t Stop Loving you Hey, Good Lookin’ Get it Now: –. Modern Sound In Country And Western Music Volume 2 ABC/Paramount 435 Released October, 1962 After Volume 1 sold more than a million copies, Ray Charles went back into the studio to record another set of country western songs. On this album, however, he recorded Side One with his Big Band and The Raeletts on charts arranged and conducted by Gerald Wilson. Side Two features lush orchestral arrangements with a string section and charts arranged and conducted by Marty Paich. “You Are My Sunshine” reached #1 on the R&B charts and #7 on the pop charts.

Tracks You Are My Sunshine No Letter Today Someday (You’ll Want Me To Want You) Don’t Tell Me Your Troubles Midnight Oh, Lonesome Me Take These Chains From My Heart Your Cheating Heart I’ll Never Stand In You Way Making Believe Teardrops In My Heart Hang Your Head In Shame Get it Now: – iTunes. Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul ABC/Paramount Released August, 1963 It was back to R&B for this album. Producer Sid Feller and Ray laid the songs out in a dramatic sequence, with Ray playing a character going through a sequence of emotions in each song. He starts flat broke in a song he borrowed from Johnny Cash, called “Busted.”. It hit #4 on the pop charts and #3 on the R&B charts and won the 1963 Grammy Award for “Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Billboard praised the album’s “soulful songs of loneliness and loss.” Tracks Busted Where Can I Go Born To Be Blue That Lucky Old Sun Ol’ Man River In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down) A Stranger In Town Ol’ Man Time Over The Rainbow You’ll Never Walk Alone Get it Now: – iTunes.

Sweet And Sour Tears ABC/Paramount 480 Released January, 1964 John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November of 1963 left the country somber and blue. Ray decided to record an album of “cry songs” and producer Sid Feller came up with a dozen classics for this album. The arrangements return to the clear strings and big band sound.

Frustratingly, the now more polished pop Ray Charles on ABC Records found himself competing with the rawer sounds of earlier Ray Charles, as Atlantic Records continued to repackage and release his 50′s material. Tracks Cry Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry A Tear Fell No One To Cry To You’ve Got Me Crying Again After My Laughter Came Tears Teardrops From My Eyes Don’t Cry Baby Cry Me A River Baby, Don’t You Cry (The New Swingova Rhythm) Willow Weep For Me I Cried For You Get it Now: – iTunes. Ray Charles Live In Concert ABC/Paramount 500 Released January, 1965 Recorded during a concert at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on September 20, 1964, Ray Charles had no idea that this concert was being recorded. Ray’s manager, Joe Adams, solely came up with this idea and didn’t even tell the executives at ABC-Paramount Records. The end result was so successful that the record label purchased a brand new Cadillac for Mr.

Tracks Opening Band: Swing A Little Taste I’ve Got A Woman Margie You Don’t Know Me Hide ‘Nor Hair Baby, Don’t You Cry Makin’ Whoopee Hallelujah I Love Her So Don’t Set Me Free What’d I Say Finale Get it Now: – iTunes. Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues (aka Together Again) ABC/Paramount 520 Released August, 1965 This is the first album recorded at RPM, Ray’s own studio, housed in his building on West Washington Blvd. In Los Angeles which also contained offices for his business, artist management and publishing. The four-track studio was built by recording engineer Tom Dowd and Ray very quickly became experienced at running all the equipment. Unlike many of his previous ABC releases, this album didn’t have an overall theme. Ray was too busy experimenting in his new recording studio. Tracks Together Again I Like To Hear It Sometime I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail (Swingova) Please Forgive And Forget I Don’t Care Next Door To The Blues Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Swingova) Light Out Of Darkness Maybe It’s Nothing At All All Night Long Don’t Let Her Know Watch It Baby Get it Now: –.

Crying Time ABC/Paramount/Tangerine 544 Released January, 1966 Crying Time is considered to be one of Ray’s true masterpieces, the self-portrait of an artist in a season of despair. Having just kicked an addiction to narcotics, pursued by legal authorities, the songs and Ray’s voice reveals anguish and anger, sadness and pain. The song “Crying Time,” had previously been recorded by Buck Owens. Ray’s version hit the Top Ten on all the charts and won two 1966 Grammy Awards for “Best Rhythm & Blues Recording” and “Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance”. Tracks Crying Time No Use Crying Let’s Go Get Stoned Going Down Slow Peace Of Mind Tears Drifting Blues We Don’t See Eye To Eye You’re In For A Big Surprise You’re Just About To Lose Your Clown Don’t You Think I Ought To Know You’ve Got A Problem Get it Now: –.

Ray’s Moods ABC/Paramount/Tangerine 550 Released July, 1966 A variety album, with ballads, country, Raelett-powered R&B, some old chestnuts and some innovative arrangements. No hits on this LP, but we get an instrumental penned by Ray: “Chitlins With Candied Yams.” Tracks What-Cha Doing In There (I Wanna Know) Please Say You’re Fooling By The Light Of The Silvery Moon You Don’t Understand Maybe It’s Because Of Love Chitlins With Candied Yams Granny Wasn’t Grinning That Day She’s Lonesome Again Sentimental Journey A Born Loser It’s A Man’s World A Girl I Used To Know Get it Now: –.

Invites You To Listen ABC/Tangerine 595 Released June, 1967 Ray asked Sid Feller to write all the arrangements on this album. The backing was standard big band or orchestra with strings. As an experiment, Ray sings with a high sustained falsetto that he tried, he said, “for no other reason than self-satisfaction.” To connect with a younger audience, Ray recorded The Beatles‚ “Yesterday,” and gave the song some needed authority of age and experience. When it was released as a single, Ray scored a Top 40 pop hit and Top 10 R&B hit.

A delighted Paul McCartney and John Lennon wired him, “Ray Charles‚ genius goes on and on. We love you heart and soul.” Tracks She’s Funny That Way (I Got A Woman Crazy For Me) How Deep Is The Ocean (How High Is The Sky) You Made Me Love You (I Didn’t Want To Do It) Yesterday I’ll Be Seeing You Here We Go Again All For You Love Walked In Gee, Baby Ain’t I Good To You People Get it Now: –. A Portrait Of Ray ABC/Tangerine 625 Released March, 1968 No matter how times and styles changed, it was the songs that interested Ray, especially the ballads. What impressed him most about The Beatles were their ballads. After scoring a hit with “Yesterday,” he was inspired to interpret “Eleanor Rigby” on this LP.

He gave it a faster pace, searing soul and The Raeletts. Tracks Never Say Naw The Sun Died Am I Blue Yesterdays When I Stop Dreamin’ I Won’t Leave A Sweet Young Thing Like You The Bright Lights And You Girl Understanding Eleanor Rigby Get it Now: –. I’m All Yours Baby ABC/Tangerine 675 February, 1969 The LP cover and liner notes promise “an elegant backdrop for any romance.” Ray and Sid Feller used old ballads and strings for the albums‚ seduction sequence. Many people thought the music too soft and missed the jazzy Big Band and Ray’s soulfulness. Tracks Yours I Didn’t Know What Time It Was Love Is Here To Stay Memories Of You Till The End Of Time I Had The Craziest Dream Someday Indian Love Call I Dream Of You (More Than You Dream I Do) Gloomy Sunday Get it Now: –. Doing His Thing ABC/Tangerine 695 Released May, 1969 Ray changed it up for this album, and got back into a funky Apollo-in-Harlem mood.

Unlike past albums that had their share of Tin Pan Alley classics, all the tracks on “Doing His Thing” were written by the unknown Jimmy Lewis. Lewis had been in L.A.

Cranking out a living hustling songs and singing with The Drifters. Ray heard him singing demos, liked his raw style, and shocked Lewis by offering to do an entire album of his songs. Ray identified with Lewis‚ country-bred humor, and the two proved to have a real chemistry, so Ray made Jimmy Lewis one of his staff writers. Tracks The Same Thing That Can Make You Laugh (Can Make You Cry) Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers You Ought To Change Your Ways Baby Please Come And Get It We Can Make it I’m Ready That Thing Called Love If It Wasn’t For Bad Luck I Told You So Get it Now: –. My Kind Of Jazz Tangerine 1512 Released April, 1970 With a recording studio for a playground, Ray could afford to jam with musicians and record their experiments and inspirations.

One such playtime nugget, a jam between Ray and his tenor saxman Andy Ennis, was called “Booty Butt,” ’cause that’s a nickname I like to call certain people,” explained Ray. It made it to #31 in the Pop Charts. My Kind Of Jazz is Ray’s band in the studio, playing and recording together with new technology, a modern 8-track recording console built by his new recording engineer David Braithwaite, a onetime apprentice of Tom Dowd.

Tracks Golden Boy Booty Butt This Here I Remember Clifford Sidewinder Bluesette Pas-Se-O-Ne Blues Zig Zag Angel City Senor Blues Get it Now: –. Love Country Style ABC/Tangerine 707 Released June, 1970 With an eight-track studio under his roof and at his command, Ray began to record differently. He would record all the backing tracks, and add his vocals and piano days or weeks later. Ray could work on several albums at once, pushing tracks through various stages of development, adding overdubs and instruments and mixing whenever he desired. He was driven, wanting to control the entire process.

“Love Country Style” produced two modest hits with “Don’t Change On Me” and “If You Were Mine.” Of particular note is Ray’s incendiary rendition of the Johnny Cash/June Carter classic “Ring Of Fire.” Tracks If You Were Mine Ring Of Fire Your Love Is So Doggone Good Don’t Change On Me Till I Can’t Take It Anymore You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart I Keep It Hid Sweet Memories Good Morning Dear Show Me The Sunshine Get it Now: –. Volcanic Action Of My Soul ABC/Tangerine 726 Released April, 1971 Ray continues to explore the songs of contemporary writers, with two compositions by Jimmy Webb, and one each from Lennon/McCartney and George Harrison.

Pedal steel guitar on the Webb tunes mixed beautifully with Sid Feller’s lush arrangements. Glen Campbell and Jerry Reed dropped by to play on the sessions. Tracks See You Then What Am I Living For Feel So Bad The Long And Winding Road The Three Bells All I Ever Need Is You Wichita Lineman Something I May Be Wrong (But I Think You’re Wonderful) Down In The Valley Get it Now: –. A Message From The People ABC/Tangerine 755 Released April, 1972 Ray had definite messages he wanted to convey on this album and he spoke them and performed them with a depth of passion.

One of Ray’s most beloved songs is his forever enduring interpretation of “America The Beautiful,” which was arranged by his good friend Quincy Jones. Ray sang in a slow rocking tempo, removing some verses, and emphasizing those that spoke about the beauty of the country and the bravery of the soldiers. “Then I put a little country church backbeat on it and turned it my way,” said Ray.

Tracks Lift Every Voice And Sing Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong Heaven Help Us All There’ll Be No Peace Without All Men As One Hey Mister Look What They’ve Done To My Song, Ma Abraham, Martin And John Take Me Home, Country Roads Every Saturday Night America The Beautiful Get it Now: –. Through The Eyes Of Love ABC/Tangerine 765 Released August, 1972 A lush album featuring a blues ballad, “I Can Make It Thru The Days (But Oh Those Lonely Nights) written by Ray, Ruth Robinson and Dee Ervin, both of whom worked for Ray’s publishing company. The single reached #21 on the R&B charts.

On “Rainy Night In Georgia,” Ray, the singer/storyteller, becomes so entwined in the lyrics and scene that he ends the song sounding drunk and in despair, pleading, “Aw, shut off that rain!” Tracks My First Night Alone With You I Can Make It Thru The Days (But Oh Those Lonely Nights) Someone To Watch Over Me A Perfect Love If You Wouldn’t Be My Lady You Leave Me Breathless Never Ending Song Of Love Rainy Night In Georgia Get it Now: –. Ray Charles Live Atlantic 503 Released May, 1973 This album combines live tracks The Newport Jazz Festival in 1958 and the 1959 show at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta.

Portions of the Newport show were originally released on Atlantic’s “Ray Charles At Newport”. The Atlanta show was previously released by Atlantic as “Ray Charles In Person”. Tracks (Night Time Is) The Right Time In A Little Spanish Town I’ve Got A Woman Blues Waltz Talkin’ ‘Bout You Sherry Hot Rod (The Spirit – Feel) A Fool For You (Night Time Is) The Right Time What’d I Say Yes Indeed The Spirit – Feel Frenesi Drown In My Own Tears Tell The Truth Get it Now: –. Come Live With Me Crossover 9000 Released January, 1974 Ray and ABC part company.

To begin fresh, and to reflect his ability to express multiple genres of music, Ray names his new record company, Crossover Records. Come Live With Me showcased ballads on Side One, including a beautiful, bluesy take on “Till There Was You,” and Jacques Brel’s “If You Go Away.” On the flip side, Ray got back to some raucous R&B, mixed with a splash of country on “Problems, Problems,” which had been a hit by The Everly Brothers in 1958. Tracks Till There Was You If You Go Away It Takes So Little Time Come Live With Me Somebody Problems, Problems Where Was He Louise Everybody Sing Get it Now: –. Renaissance Crossover 9005 Released June, 1975 Ray met Stevie Wonder at a young age, before he was even signed to Motown. Though they had been longtime friends, “Living For The City” was the first song written by Stevie Wonder that Ray felt was right for him to record. “I do it a lot differently than Stevie; I cut out a lot of the musical flourishes and I put that long rap in the middle, talkin’ ‘bout the rats and roaches.” The song earned Ray a Grammy Award in 1975 for “Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance, Male”.

Tracks Living For The City Then We’ll Be Home My God And I We’re Gonna Make It For Mamma Sunshine It Ain’t Easy Being Green Sail Away Get it Now: –. Live In Japan Crossover/London (Japan) #535/#536 Released July, 1976 Ray Charles was truly a citizen of the world and nothing proves that more than the love affair that he enjoyed with Japanese audiences since his first visit in 1964.

Of particular note on this album is Ray’s “death march” slow version of “Till There Was You” from the Broadway play “The Music Man”. Tracks Introduction Metamorphosis Pair Of Threes Spain Blowing The Blues Away Introduction MC Ray Charles Let The Good Times Roll Then I’ll Be Home Till There Was You Feel So Bad Georgia On My Mind Busted Am I Blue Living For The City I Can’t Stop Loving You Take Me Home, Country Roads Don’t Let Her Know What’d I Say Get it Now: –. Porgy & Bess – with Cleo Laine RCA 1831 Released November, 1976 Jazz producer Norman Granz convinced Ray to record George Gershwin’s “Porgy & Bess”.

Ray’s first choice for the role of Bess was Gladys Knight but contractual difficulties made it impossible, and Cleo Laine was selected to sing the role. Frank DeVol arranged the music and conducted the 78-piece orchestra. Great instrumental artists like Joe Sample, Lee Ritenour, Joe Pass and Ernie Watts are just some of the many gifted in the orchestra. The album made it to #14 on the Billboard Jazz Album Charts. Tracks Summertime My Man’s Gone Now A Woman Is A Sometime Thing They Pass By Singing What You Want With Bess I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’ Buzzard Song Bess, You Is My Woman Now Oh, Doctor Jesus Crab Man Here Come De Honey Man Strawberry Woman It Ain’t Necessarily So There’s A Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon For New York I Loves You, Porgy Oh Bess, Oh Where’s My Bess Oh Lord, I’m On My Way Get it Now: – iTunes.

True To Life Crossover/Atlantic 19142 Released October, 1977 In 1977, Ray took his label Crossover and moved it back to Atlantic for distribution. Ahmet Ertegun at Atlantic pushed Ray to record tracks that would connect with a younger audience. Ray stood his ground and made the record his way, but succeeded in connecting with that young audience in a big, big way when he hosted and starred on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on November 12, 1977. He reunited his classic Big Band lineup for the show, including David Newman and Leroy Cooper.

Ray’s cover of the Johnny Nash tune, “I Can See Clearly Now,” reached #35 on the R&B charts. Tracks I Can See Clearly Now The Jealous Kind Oh, What A Beautiful Morning How Long Has This Been Going On Be My Love Anonymous Love Heavenly Music Game Number Nine Let It Be Get it Now: –. Love And Peace Crossover/Atlantic 19199 Released September, 1978 RPM was now a 24-track studio, and Ray used them all on Love And Peace. He reluctantly tried to capture some of the popular disco sound, including the use of electronic synthesizers, which he kept mixing further and further into the background.

Tracks You 20th-Century Fox Take Off That Dress She Knows Riding Thumb We Had it All No Achievement Showing A Peace That We Never Before Could Enjoy Is There Anyone Out There? Give The Poor Man A Break Get it Now. Ain’t It So Crossover/Atlantic 19251 Released September, 1979 Knowing that he had to please himself first when he recorded, that’s exactly what Ray did on “Ain’t It So”.

He returned to his unique blend of songs and sounds both old and new. Ray transforms “Some Enchanted Evening” from a romantic ballad into an irresistible rocker. Earlier this year Georgia’s House of Representatives proclaimed “Georgia On My Mind” their official state song and invited Ray to sing it at the capital in Atlanta.

Tracks Some Enchanted Evening Blues In The Night Just Because What’ll I Do One Of These Days Love Me Or Set Me Free Drift Away (Turn Out The Lights And) Love Me Tonight Get it Now. Brother Ray Is At It Again Crossover/Atlantic Released March, 1980 At the start of the 80s, Ray was on a mission to recreate himself. He began appearing in concert with symphony orchestras.

He asked Sid Feller to begin converting his record charts into a full concert program for a string and woodwind concert. Ray was rejuvenated. A cameo in The Blues Brothers movie was enjoyable, and like the Saturday Night Live appearance, succeeded in introducing Ray to a younger audience as the cat who is still cooler than cool.

Tracks Compared To What Anyway You Want To Don’t You Love Me Anymore? A Poor Man’s Song Now That We’ve Found Each other Ophelia I Can’t Change It Questions Get it Now. Wish You Were Here Tonight Columbia 38293 Released March, 1983 Ray took a couple years off from recording, trying to assess which direction to take. A duet with Clint Eastwood, “Beers To You,” from the film “Any Which Way You Can” reached #50 in the country charts.

He played The Grand Ole Opry with Loretta Lynn and received a standing ovation. Country fans are known for their loyalty, and Ray was feeling back at home. Columbia Records in Nashville came calling. His first single, “Born To Love Me,” climbed to #20 on the country single charts. Tracks 3/4 Time I Wish You Were Here Tonight Ain’t Your Memory Got No Pride At All Born To Love Me I Don’t Want No Stranger Sleepin’ In My Bed Let Your Love Flow You Feel Good All Over String Bean You’ve Got The Longest Leaving Act In Town Shakin’ Your Head Get it Now.

Do I Ever Cross Your Mind Columbia 38990 Released July, 1984 On his second country album for Columbia, Ray is still trying to fine-tune his approach. “When I first sang country music in the ‘60s,” said Ray, “I had lots of strings and a chorus of singers. This time I wanted to do more down home pure country, with the real Nashville cats in the studio, I wanted to hear those crying steel guitars.” Tracks I Had It All Do I Ever Cross Your Mind Woman Sensuous Woman Then I’ll Be Over You (All I Wanna Do Is) Lay Around And Love On You Love Of My Life They Call It Love If I Were You Workin’ Man’s Woman I Was On Georgia Time Get it Now.

Friendship Columbia 39415 Released February, 1985 The idea of a country duets album had been brewing in Ray for a long time. For this album, he came to Nashville to record and Columbia gave him veteran country producer Billy Sherrill. The top Nashville players were recruited and found themselves star struck at the opportunity to play on a Ray Charles session. Ray was having a ball singing with country legends Merle Haggard, George Jones and Willie Nelson (who went on to become one of Ray’s best friends). From the press and the fans reaction, and the participants themselves, they knew they’d created a masterpiece. Friendship shot up to #1 on the country album charts and spun off four Top 20 country singles including a #1 hit with Ray and Willie on “Seven Spanish Angels.” Tracks Two Old Cats Like Us w/Hank Williams Jr. This Old Heart (Is Gonna Rise Again) w/Oak Ridge Boys We Didn’t See A Thing w/George Jones and Chet Atkins Who Cares w/Janie Fricke Rock And Roll Shoes w/B.J.

Thomas Friendship w/Ricky Skaggs It Ain’t Gonna Worry My Mind w/Mickey Gilley Little Hotel Room w/Merle Haggard Crazy Old Soldier w/Johnny Cash Seven Spanish Angels w/Willie Nelson Get it Now: –. The Spirit Of Christmas Columbia 39415 Released January, 1986 Ray Charles’s one and only album of Christmas songs. You can hear “That Spirit of Christmas” in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation film. Reissued as Rhino R2-72842; September 1997. Reissued as Concord CRE-31671-02; October, 2009. Tracks Tracks What Child Is This The Little Drummer Boy Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town This Time Of Year Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer That Spirit Of Christmas All I Want For Christmas Christmas In My Heart Winter Wonderland Christmas Time Get it Now: –.

From The Pages Of My Mind Columbia 40388 Released September, 1986 Producer Billy Sherrill is again at the helm of this recording. The material is comfortable laid-back country-pop, a mellow album filled with quiet treasures. It found modest success, but could not duplicate the gangbuster hit, Friends. The honors kept rolling in and Ray was inducted as a founding member into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was also awarded The Kennedy Center Honors Medal, America’s most distinguished award for the arts. Tracks The Pages Of My Mind Slip Away Anybody With The Blues Class Reunion Caught A Touch Of Your Love A Little Bit Of Heaven Dixie Moon Over And Over (Again) Beaucoup Love Love Is Worth The Pain Get it Now: –. Just Between Us Columbia 40703 Released September, 1988 Ray comes back home to his RPM studio to record with his own Big Band and a few familiar cats like Doc Pomus, Milt Jackson, Percy Mayfield, Ralph Burns and Marty Paich.

This is Ray making an album just for Ray. He sings a tender ballad with Gladys Knight, “I Wish I’d Never Loved You At All.” Then he cuts up with Lou Rawls on “Save The Bones For Henry Jones.” Ray also has some fun with the synthesizers and plays them for various instrumental effects on the album. Tracks Nothing Like A Hundred Miles w/B.B. King I Wish I’d Never Loved You At All w/Gladys Knight Too Hard To Love You w/Jim Johnson Now I Don’t Believe That Anyone Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off Stranger In My Own Hometown w/Kenny Carr Over The Top I’d Walk A Little More For You If That’s What’ Cha Want Save The Bones For Henry Jones w/Lou Rawls and Milt Jackson Get it Now: –. Would You Believe?

26343 Released October, 1990 Mo Ostin, Warner Bros. Records longtime president, delighted in having the opportunity to finally record Ray Charles. Installer Windows Xp Sur Mac Powerbook G4 there. Ray had already been working on tracks with composer Jimmy Lewis, and had found arranger-keyboardist Rich Cason to be his synthesizer guru, showing Ray how to get bass, drums, horns and hand claps out of the magic keyboards. The new use of synth brings in a contemporary sound. Earlier in 1990, Ray had a dance club hit in duet with Chaka Khan, “I’ll Be Good ToYou”, which reached #1 on the R&B chart, #20 on the pop chart and won them both a Grammy Award for “Best Rhythm & Blues Performance By A Duo or Vocal Group”.

Tracks I’ll Take Care Of You Your Love Keeps Me Satisfied Ellie, My Love I Can’t Get Enough Let’s Get Back To Where We Left Off Child Support, Alimony Fresh Out Of Tears Living Without You Where’re The Stars Leave Him! Get it Now: –. My World Warner Bros. 26735 Released March, 1993 A successful ad campaign with Diet Pepsi had changed the public’s perception of Ray.

He was less of an old-timer and more of a hip star of the ‘90s. “You’ve got the right one, baby, uh-huh” became the popular catchphrase. Mo Ostin wants an album that will appeal to this new audience and brings in veteran producer Richard Perry.

Ray loved Leon Russell’s “A Song For You”, and Ray’s version won a Grammy Award for “Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance”. About Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years” Ray told writer David Ritz, “Still Crazy fit me fine, especially the part that says, ‘I’m not the kind of man who tends to socialize/I seem to lean on old familiar ways.’ That’s me.” Tracks My World A Song For You None Of Us Are Free So Help Me God Let Me Take Over One Drop Of Love If I Could Love Has A Mind Of It’s Own I’ll Be There Still Crazy After All These Years Get it Now: –. Strong Love Affair Warner Bros.

46107 Released January, 1996 “Strong Love Affair” is an amalgamation of introspection, experimentation and a long-distance recording process. Ray collaborated on the album with a French producer. The producer would send songs for Ray to select, record the instrumentals in Paris, and send them back to Ray for the vocals. Quincy Jones released the album on his Qwest label, distributed by Warner Bros. Tracks All She Wants To Do Is Love Me Say No More No Time To Waste Time Angelina Tell What You Want Me To Do Strong Love Affair Everybody’s Handsome Child Out Of My Life The Fever Separate Ways I Need A Good Woman Bad If You Give Me Your Heart Get it Now: –.

Berlin, 1962 Pablo 5301 April, 1996 Jazz impresario Norman Granz issued this previously unreleased classic concert performance of Brother Ray with his swingin’ big band (that included David “Fathead” Newman and Hank Crawford) backed by The Raeletts, in their prime and on stage in Berlin, circa 1962. Ray hits on all cylinders, leaving the audience begging for more. Tracks Band Intro Strike Up The Band One Mint Julep I’ve Got A Woman Georgia On My Mind Margie The Danger Zone Hallelujah I Love Her So Hide ‘Nor Hair Alexander’s Ragtime Band I Believe to My Soul Hit The Road Jack Night Time Is The Right Time Bye, Bye Love Unchain My Heart What’d I Say Get it Now: – iTunes. Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again Crossover 4000 Released May, 2002 Ray shows that he loves the mechanics of making music as much as performing it on this album. Instead of musicians playing organic instruments, Ray uses a variety of synthesizers for backing strings, horns and percussion on many of these tracks. Deeply moving is “Mother,” the first time Ray had put his feelings for his mother ‘Retha into music. Tracks What’d I Say (New Arrangement) Can You Love Me Like That How Did You Feel The Morning After I Love You More Than I Ever Have Really Got A Hold On Me Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again Save Your Lovin’ Just For Me I Just Can’t Get Enough Of You Ensemble New Orleans Mr.

Creole Mother Get it Now: –. Ray Charles Sings For America Rhino 605748 Released September, 2002 A year after the terrorist attacks on America, this compilation album was issued that thematically and musically gave us Ray’s America. There were two new tracks, including the spoken “Ray Reflects On America” and “God Bless America Again,” with featured performances by Slash and Billy Preston. This collection stars Ray’s stirring, iconic version of “America The Beautiful,” a rendition that brought healing and hope to a nation in pain. Tracks America The Beautiful Imagine (featuring The Harlem Gospel Singers) Let It Be New York’s My Home Over The Rainbow That Lucky Old Sun Ol’ Man River Carry Me Back To Old Virginny Take Me Home, Country Roads Ray Reflects on America My God And I Lift Every Voice And Sing There’ll Be No Peace Without All Men As One Light Out Of Darkness Heaven Help Us All Abraham, Martin and John Hey Mister Sail Away The Danger Zone God Bless America Again (previously unreleased, with Billy Preston and Slash) Get it Now: – iTunes. Genius Loves Company Concord 2248-2 Released August, 2004 “I’ve recorded with so many amazing artists in my career but never on a duets album all my own.

I thought it was time to have some of the friends that I love and the artists that I admire come into my studio and sing with me live,” explains Ray Charles on the genesis of “Genius Loves Company”. “All the guests brought their own magic to each song. That’s what we wanted and that’s exactly what we got.” “Genius Loves Company” stands as a remarkable hallmark in a remarkable career. In his brilliant debut for Concord Records, Ray sings a dozen duets with a dazzling array of guest artists from virtually every genre. “Genius Loves Company” was Ray’s final studio album. Fittingly, it won a basketful of Grammy Awards: “Heaven Help Us All” with Gladys Knight, won “Best Gospel Performance”.

“Here We Go Again” with Norah Jones won “Best Pop Vocal Collaboration” and “Record Of The Year”. The album was voted “Best Pop Vocal Album” and “Album Of The Year”. “Genius Loves Company” took home three other Grammys, including one to arranger Victor Vanacore for his arrangement on “Over The Rainbow.” The album went multi-platinum and hit #1 on the album charts in several countries. Tracks Here We Go Again w/Norah Jones Sweet Potato Pie w/James Taylor You Don’t Know Me w/Diana Krall Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word w/Elton John Fever w/Natalie Cole Do I Ever Cross Your Mind w/Bonnie Raitt It Was A Very Good Year w/Willie Nelson Hey Girl w/Michael McDonald Sinner’s Prayer w/B.B.

King Heaven Help Us All w/Gladys Knight Over The Rainbow w./Johnny Mathis Crazy Love w/ Van Morrison Get it Now: –. Ray Charles Celebrates A Gospel Christmas (With The Voices Of Jubilation) Madacy Records 50827 Released: September, 2004 In the 1950′s, Ray Charles began his career mixing the fiery passion of gospel and the hard-hitting sound of the blues to create a whole new sound in rhythm & blues that helped make him a legend in American music. On this album, Ray revisits his gospel roots and joins forces with the 120-member “Voices of Jubilation Gospel Choir” from Newark, New Jersey for a stirring program of Christmas music. This concert performance was originally filmed for television and was directed by Stuart Benjamin who also produced the feature film, “Ray.” Tracks What Kind Of Man Is This The Christmas Song All Night, All Day Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas w/Harold Dudley Oh, Happy Day Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Hark! The Herald Angels Sing w/Stefanie Minatee Silent Night Little Drummer Boy America The Beautiful Get it Now. Genius And Friends Rhino 73185 Released September, 2005 Trying to prove that lightning could strike in the same place twice, Atlantic Records and Rhino released tracks that Ray had been worked on in the 1990′s and fused them with vocals by contemporary artists to create another duet album. To many, it was just a painful reminder that The Genius had left the building.

Tracks All I Want To Do w/Angie Stone You Are My Sunshine w/Chris Issak It All Goes By So Fast w/Mary J. Blige You Were There w/ Gladys Knight Imagine w/ Ruben Studdard and the Harlem Gospel Singers Compared To What w/ Leela James Big Bad Love w/ Diana Ross I Will Be There w/ Idini Menzel Blame It On The Sun w/ George Michael Touch w/ John Legend Shout w/ Patti LaBelle & The Andre Crouch Singers Surrender To Love w/ Laura Pausisni Busted (Live) w/Willie Nelson Get it Now: –. Ray Sings Basie Swings Concord 30026-2 Released October, 2006 “Ray Sings, Basie Swings” combines archival, never-before-heard Ray Charles vocal recordings with brand-new performances by the current Count Basie Orchestra. This ground breaking CD gives listeners the unprecedented experience of hearing Ray Charles at the dazzling peak of his vocal prowess. Ray Sings, Basie Swings was created with the most up-to-date recording and mixing technology, offering sound quality that is state-of-the art. A Project Summary The producers of this CD discovered archival reels of Ray Charles performing live in 1973. Although the vocals were superior, the remaining elements were of extremely poor quality.

They decided to bring the current Basie Orchestra into the studio and, using the latest technology, they carefully and painstakingly laid down a new instrumental backdrop for Ray’s towering vocals. Tracks Oh, What A Beautiful Morning Let The Good Times Roll How Long Has This Been Going On Every Saturday Night Busted Crying Time I Can’t Stop Loving You Come Live With Me Feel So Bad The Long And Winding Road Look What They’ve Done To My Song Georgia On My Mind Get it Now: –. Rare Genius Concord 32196-25 Released October, 2010 In celebration of the 80th birthday of the legendary Ray Charles in 2010, Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters includes a treasure trove of newly discovered recordings that is highlighted by a duet with fellow icon Johnny Cash.

Culled from four decades worth of demos and other previously unreleased material, Rare Genius showcases the remarkable artistic vision, stylistic range and emotionally rich vocals that crafted Charles enduring legacy. Listening to the ten gems from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s that comprise this CD, fans will have no trouble envisioning the late singer rocking back and forth at the piano as he effortlessly segues between R&B/soul, pop, country and gospel. Tracks Love’s Gonna Bite You Back It Hurts To Be In Love Wheel Of Fortune I’m Gonna Keep On Singin’ There’ll Be Some Changes Made Isn’t It Wonderful? I Don’t Want No One But You A Little Bitty Tear She’s Gone Why Me Lord?

Ray Charles Forever Concord 34827-00 Released September, 2013 Ray Charles was commemorated on September 23, 2013, his 83rd birthday, with a United States Postal Service Music Icons Forever® Stamp. Concord Records celebrates the occasion with the release of Ray Charles Forever, a deluxe CD/DVD collection on September 24th. In addition, Concord Records produced a special edition of Ray Charles Forever with an exclusive bonus track, available at major Post OfficeTM locations across the country, as well as online at usps.com and ebay.com/stamps.

Various launch events will be held across the U.S. To pay tribute to this momentous occasion, including at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, CA and the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Disc One Song For You I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town Ring Of Fire Come Rain Or Come Shine They Can’t Take That Away From Me Till There Was You Isn’t It Wonderful None Of Us Are Free Imagine If I Could So Help Me God America the Beautiful Disc Two Ray Charles Forever Get it Now: –.

The Genius of Ray Charles by Released October 1959 Recorded May 6 and June 23, 1959 at 6 West Recording in New York City on Ampex 3 track.,, Length 37: 58, chronology (1959) 1959 The Genius of Ray Charles (1959) (1960) 1960 The Genius of Ray Charles is the sixth by American recording artist, released in 1959. The album eschewed the sound of his 1950s recordings, which fused,, and, for with arrangements. It comprises a first half of big band songs and a second half of -backed ballads.

The Genius of Ray Charles sold less than 500,000 copies and at number 17 on the. ' and ' were released as in 1959. ” — The album showcased Charles' breakout from and onto a broader musical stage. Atlantic Records gave him full support in production and arrangements. As originally presented, the A side of the album featured the Ray Charles band with supplemented by players from the and bands, and arrangements. The B side of the original album consists of six ballads with arrangements by and a large string orchestra. Charles's performance of ', a song identified with, brought public attention to his voice alone without the 'distractions' of his soulful piano and his snappy band.

Each side contains a tribute to with two songs he had hits with ' and '. Critical reception [ ] Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating In a contemporary review, Joe Goldberg of the panned the arrangements as 'hopelessly banal and inadequate, saved only' by the piano playing of Charles, who 'comes through beautifully', and felt that only the last three songs give the album 'its importance'. He called ' the album's highlight and 'almost unbearably poignant, with the same feeling of deep sensibility transcending limited vocal equipment that can be heard on 's recording of ', or 's of 'A Quiet Girl'.' In a retrospective review for, music critic wrote that 'Charles' voice is heard throughout in peak form, giving soul to even the veteran standards.'

In a 1990 review of its CD, Lloyd Sachs of the wrote that The Genius of Ray Charles is 'one of the all-time great albums. But it is not, alas, one of all the all-time great CDs. The sound is extremely harsh, exaggerating the partially hidden flaws of the original.

Still, the glory of Charles' singing and the ace arrangements. Have a way of breaking down resistance.' In 2000, magazine included The Genius of Ray Charles in their list of the 'Best Soul Albums of All Time' and wrote that it 'finds the great man swinging, emoting, cajoling and laughing his way through a selection of standards that he makes his own. It exudes pure class.' In 2003, ranked The Genius of Ray Charles number 263 on their list of. In a 2004 review for the magazine, praised producers and for persuading 'five different arrangers into the subtlest of Charles' career.' Christgau asserted that 'Charles tried many times, but except for, he never again assembled such a consistent album in this mode.'

In (2004), critics and Michaelangelo Matos said that it is 'perhaps the most important of [Charles'] albums for Atlantic', because it 'introduces the musical approach he would follow for much of the '70s.' They argued that, instead of pursuing the contemporary sounds of,, or big bands, Charles played a 'curious hybrid of the brassy R&B of his pop-oriented recordings and the showy shmaltz favored by the era's acts.' However, they cautioned listeners that the album was 'abysmally recorded, with frequent muddying its brasher moments.'

Track listing [ ] Side one • ' (, Fleecie Moore) – 2:53 • ' (, ) – 2:45 • ' () – 2:53 • 'Two Years of Torture' (, Charles Joseph Morris) – 3:25 • ' () – 2:51 • ' (, ) – 2:27 Side two • 'Just for a Thrill' (, ) – 3:26 • 'You Won't Let Me Go' (Bud Allen, ) – 3:22 • 'Tell Me You'll Wait for Me' (, ) – 3:25 • ' (Joe Greene) – 3:46 • ' (, ) – 3:41 • ' (, ) – 3:42 Personnel [ ]. November 1, 2003. Archived from the original on June 15, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2013. CS1 maint: Unfit url () • ^ (September 27, 2005)...

Retrieved May 27, 2013. • ^ Sachs, Lloyd (February 15, 1990)... Retrieved May 27, 2013.

December 21, 1959. Retrieved May 27, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2013. • Goldberg, Joe (February 1960). 'Ray Charles. The Genius of Ray Charles'..

• 'Best Soul Albums of All Time'.. • (July 8, 2004)... Retrieved May 27, 2013.

Bibliography [ ] •; Matos, Michaelangelo; et al. (2004).; Hoard, Christian, eds. CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list () • (2006)..

9 (4th ed.)... External links [ ] • at (list of releases).