This compilation was released in 1991, but the songs are from 1952-1959.

Generally, the idea of the concept album didn’t start until 1964 when, by many accounts, the Beatles invented the idea with Rubber Soul, so I suppose it makes sense for the great music from before that era to appear only in compilations. Some people say the concept came earlier, but regardless it wasn’t around when Ray Charles was doing the majority of his recording. That doesn’t mean there weren’t albums, but I guess the idea of an album as a cohesive unit of music didn’t start until later - at least in the minds of music critics. So we learned something today, excellent work everybody.

Ray Charles was an innovator and had one of the most iconic singing voices ever. His music is rich and deep, and influenced countless artists. While this is a long listen, it’s an excellent way to deep dive the history of rhythm & blues and soul music.

Also, to my fellow millennials, listen to “I’ve Got A Woman” to appreciate the real version of that song, and to hopefully help you forget the sampled version we collectively grew up with. Trust me.

Jams:

“Ray’s Blues”
“I’ve Got A Woman”

Originally part of Preparing For a Post-Streaming World.