Ray Charles

How do you begin to convey the colossal importance Ray Charles has had on the musical landscape of the 20th century? His first singles on Atlantic, including his first chart topper I Got A Woman (1955) and the Wurlitzer-infused trance-inducing What I’d Say (1959), blended soul with blues and added just a hint of jazz. In the sixties, he crossed over to country and heavily orchestrated music, opening many stylistic doors along the way. Who’s to argue with Georgia On My Mind?