The Great Ray Charles

I cannot think of any artist who has meant as much to me throughout my life as Ray Charles. He was already a star before I was a teenager, adept at R&B, R&R, C&W, or any other letters you want to throw his way. His music was always there, wherever I was, however old I was, and he is sorely missed.

Ultimate Hits Collection
Simply unbelievable - the 50's and 60's singles, some obscurities as pleasant surprises, and a couple of colloborations.

Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music (Remastered reissue)
I was around 13 when this originally came out, living in Virginia in a time of racial unrest. The local country stations would not play it - of course - but those of us lucky enough to have heard him before fell in love with this old vinyl. Every song a atandard, right to this day. His bluesy interpretation of "Born to Lose" would have been bulletted on 3 or 4 different Billboard charts today and was on several then. "You Don't Know Me" has not been done better by any country artist; I wish Hank could have heard Ray's interpretaion of "You Win Again." If you think you hate country, or you think you hate the blues - the listen to this remastered CD: it is the best of both. Who can hate that?

Genius Loves Company
His last new CD, what an addition to his legacy. Again showing his versatility, duet partners include the young Norah Jones, the ancient Willie Nelson, the jazzy Diana Krall - you got the idea.

Standards
Most of these songs are examples of what's known as "The American Pop Standard" - as an example, Moonlight in Vermont. Others - like Ruby - are standards because Ray did them. Either way, they sound better with each listen.