Released 20 years ago
Ray Sings, Basie Swings
Ray Charles · 2006
48 min · 12 tracks · blues
A celebration of timeless melodies infused with Ray Charles' soulful vocals and Basie's swinging orchestral arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let the Good Times Roll Start here — This track encapsulates the vibrant energy of the album, showcasing Charles' ability to blend rhythm and blues with big band jazz elements effortlessly.
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Georgia on My Mind — A quintessential Ray Charles performance, this rendition highlights his emotional depth and vocal prowess, making it a signature piece that resonates across generations.
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I Can’t Stop Loving You — This poignant ballad reveals Charles' mastery in conveying deep emotion through music, solidifying its place as one of his most beloved songs.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- soulful vocals for uplifting moments
- for social gatherings
- inviting sing-along choruses
- vibrant arrangements enhance joy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek deep introspective experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released posthumously, it showcases Charles' enduring artistry and connection to classic standards.
- Themes
- posthumous celebration· southern soul legacy· big band nostalgia
- Career context
- Released shortly after Ray Charles' passing, this album features previously recorded sessions from the late 1960s in collaboration with Count Basie. At this point in his career, Charles was revered as a pioneering figure in soul music, having already shaped several genres and influenced countless artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sam Cooke· Otis Redding· Aretha Franklin
Tracklist
- 1 Oh, What a Beautiful Morning 4:32
- 2 Let the Good Times Roll Start here 2:57
- 3 How Long Has This Been Going On? 6:19
- 4 Every Saturday Night 4:05
- 5 Busted 2:33
- 6 Crying Time 3:54
- 7 I Can’t Stop Loving You 4:01
- 8 Come Live With Me 4:10
- 9 Feel So Bad 4:10
- 10 The Long and Winding Road 4:03
- 11 Look What They’ve Done to My Song 2:51
- 12 Georgia on My Mind 4:41
What to play next
Genius Loves Company
2004
Features collaborations that build on the soulful energy and melodies of the current album.
Pure Genius: Complete Atlantic Recordings 1952-1959
2005
Sets a foundation with classic Ray Charles sounds leading into the more orchestral style of the current album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lady in Satin
Billie Holiday
Features lush orchestral arrangements and heartfelt vocal delivery, echoing a similar soulful nostalgia.
The Look of Love
Diana Krall
Combines smooth jazz vocals with rich big band instrumentation, creating a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Showcases powerful vocals and emotional depth, emphasizing soul's roots in gospel and blues traditions.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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