The Genius Sings The Blues

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The Genius Sings The Blues album cover
Album Information
  • Artist: Ray Charles (See All Albums by Ray Charles)

  • Date Released: Jan 18, 2005

  • Genre: Hip-Hop/R&B, Style: R&B, Soul/R&B

  • Label: Rhino Atlantic

  • Copyright: 2005 Atlantic Recording Corp. Manufactured and Marketed by Warner Strategic Marketing

Total Tracks: 12   Total Length: 34:26

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John Morthland

eMusic Contributor

John Morthland has been writing about music since the days of electronically rechanneled stereo and duophonic sound. His name has darkened the mastheads of Roll...more »

01.11.10
More spellbinding stuff from the Genius
2005 | Label: Rhino Atlantic

All of Ray's Atlantic albums mix genres, and so it's no surprise that this is certainly not a "pure" blues album. But "I Believe to My Soul" (with Ray singing all the Raelets parts) is one of his most harrowing straight-ahead blues outings, while "The Right Time" (a duet with Margie Hendricks) is incandescent. And, even though he knew he was leaving the label when he cut most of it — witness Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On," Ray's first foray into country — the results are spellbinding.

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Also on "Birth Of Soul"

mEMUSIC-005374CF

Another fine album by Ray. All of the tracks can be found on the "Birth Of Soul" box set. The vinyl can still be found. Track #6 "Rays Blues" has my vote for best track on the album.

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Down-home, anguished laments and moody ballads were turned into triumphs by Ray Charles. He sang these songs with the same conviction, passion, and energy that made his country and soul vocals so majestic. This has not turned up in the reissue bins. – Ron Wynn

Activity

  • 05.03.12 “Ray Charles’ America” wins at New York Festivals® International Television & Film Awards http://t.co/eBVN0hSj
  • 02.22.12 The greatest thing in the world is to know how you want to live, and live that way. - Ray Charles
  • 02.14.12 Happy Valentine's Day! What's your favorite Ray Charles love song?
  • 01.23.12 On January 23, 1986 Ray Charles was in the very first group of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! http://t.co/5g0doe5o
  • 01.18.12 "Ray Charles is the only genius in our business." - Frank Sinatra
  • 01.16.12 In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn more about Ray and Dr. King's friendship here: http://t.co/MzmlGn0B
  • 01.04.12 39 Years ago today Ray Charles recorded “Without Love (There Is Nothing)” in Hollywood, CA. Preview the song here: http://t.co/wi29gIeN
  • 10.28.11 Happy Friday, Ray Fans. What's your favorite Ray Charles song to listen to on the weekend?
  • 10.13.11 Congrats to Aaron Cohen on his ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for the great article "Ray's Kind of Jazz"! To learn more visit http://t.co/TWixCMeJ
  • 10.10.11 "I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great." - Ray Charles
  • 09.28.11 Thank you to all the Ray Charles fans who commented on what would have been his 81st Birthday last friday. We can't stop loving him!
  • 09.22.11 What did everyone think of the Pepsi commercial that aired during "The X Factor" tonight?!