Aug 16
Not sure who did the awful art and design on this 1972 Ray Charles album (A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE, Tangerine/ABC Records), but it looks like Ray might have been the art director. (Ray was blind)
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Not sure who did the awful art and design on this 1972 Ray Charles album (A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE, Tangerine/ABC Records), but it looks like Ray might have been the art director. (Ray was blind)
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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More cover versions of this song have been recorded than any other Beatles song, and it possibly is the most covered rock 'n' roll song of all time. By 1980 more than 2,500 artists--including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Marianne Faithfull, Lou Rawls, Tom Jones, Jan and Dean, Liberace, the Supremes, and Marvin Gaye--had covered it.
Beatlesongs, William J. Dowlding (1989)
I'm pretty sure it is now known to be the most-covered song of all time, maybe aside from public domain songs, but I'm not sure.
Percy Mayfield - "Hit the Road Jack" (demo)
Ray Charles and The Raelettes - "Hit the Road Jack" (live on Brazilian TV in 1963)
Percy Mayfield wrote "Hit the Road Jack" and recorded it as an a capella demo in 1960. The song became a hit when Ray Charles recorded it with vocalist Margie Hendrix of The Raelettes.
47th Annual Grammy Awards
February 13, 2005
Best Album of the Year:
Genius Loves Company
Ray Charles
Released: August 31, 2003
Genre: Rhythm & Blues; Soul; Country; Blues; Jazz; Pop
Length: 54:03
12 Tracks
Singles:
You Don't Know Me Here We Go Again
Review:
Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:
***None***
Personal Favorite Track: Sweet Potato Pie
What Best Describes this Album: Drinking Spirits in High Class Air Conditioned Studio Apartment in City - like something super pretenious and boring as hell.
Personal Grade: Poor - 3.1/10
Personal Assessment:
Okay.....
I am/was a fan of Ray Charles - I actually own one of his greatest hits album and do listen to it from time to time - especially on road trips - but I must say - I was amazingly let down by this album.
Especially with a pretentious album title, Genius Loves Company, I was expecting some real "wow" and originality.
But it's the same complaint that I have had with other albums like this winning a Grammy - 11 out 12 tracks on this album are covers.
Funny enough - my favorite track on the album is the one that isn't a cover.
In my own personal opinion - I don't feel like they elevated the beyond the original songs.
When I found out Ray won a Grammy - I was expecting to hear Ray laying down some Hot/Sick piano - like Ray Charles version of Hit the Road Jack - more up tempo beats - something to show he still is the man - but - instead we get more of this somber, end of the road type tracks.
Fever is one of my favorite crooner songs - but - Ray's (and Natalie Cole's) version seems flat.
I guess it is a statement or personal choice - Ray Charles - was on the older side of life - I believe he even died before he could be award Best Album of the Year Grammy - guess he could have been contemplating his twilight - but - it feels like seeing a musical giant wither away into an abyss rather than go out in a blaze of glory.
But seriously - is this Grammy Win riding on clout and/or respect & honor?
Ray, posthumously, beat out Alicia Keys, Kayne West (before all the controversy), Usher, and Green Day.
Not to speak ill of Ray and his extreme musical talent - but - this was very mid album at best.
This is a pass for me - I don't even think it is worth while for a one time listen.
To Summarize My Ramblings:
An album full of lackluster covers and one original track that is so-so.
Eleanor Rigby by Ray Charles debuted Jun 68 and peaked at number 35.
The Beatles' original was the flip side of their number two hit Yellow Submarine, and peaked at number 11.
Susaye Greene is the shortest Raelette in this video. She was the eighth and final Supreme, appearing on their final two albums and singing lead on the songs High Energy and Come Into My Life. Susaye also sang background for Stevie Wonder and co-wrote Free for Deniece Williams (who also sang with Stevie).
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Tome Jones: What I'd Say (Live, 1966)
Ray Charles - I Chose to Sing the Blues
