The Genius of Ray Charles

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Genius of Ray Charles · This album was released in October 1959 on Atlantic and showed that Ray Charles wanted more than rhythm and blues. The label gave him every support with production and arrangements. The first half consists of swinging big band pieces with his own band, supplemented by players from the orchestras of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and arrangements by, among others, Quincy Jones. The second half consists of six ballads with a large string orchestra, arranged by Ralph Burns. Each side contains a tribute to Louis Jordan.

Come Rain or Come Shine, a song associated with Frank Sinatra, put his voice alone in the spotlight. Reactions differed. A reviewer in 1959 found the arrangements banal, but praised the piano playing and singled out Am I Blue? as a highlight. Later the Rolling Stone Album Guide called it perhaps the singer's most important album for Atlantic, because it announced the approach he would follow in the years to come.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Let the Good Times Roll2:54Apple Music ↗
2. 2It Had to Be You2:45Apple Music ↗
3. 3Alexander's Ragtime Band2:54Apple Music ↗
4. 4Two Years of Torture3:24Apple Music ↗
5. 5When Your Lover Has Gone2:49Apple Music ↗
6. 6'Deed I Do2:28Apple Music ↗
7. 7Just for a Thrill3:26Apple Music ↗
8. 8You Won't Let Me Go3:21Apple Music ↗
9. 9Tell Me You'll Wait for Me3:25Apple Music ↗
10. 10Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying3:45Apple Music ↗
11. 11Am I Blue3:40Apple Music ↗
12. 12Come Rain or Come Shine3:42Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗