Country Songs Came Naturally to Ray Charles
The single-disc reissue of Ray Charles' Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2 is a pleasant reminder that Nashville's classic songs can transcend both time and musical genre. In 1962, Charles and his recording supervisor narrowed down a long list of country hits from the preceding 20 years for a concept album that nobody else at the label seemed to understand. Although Don Gibson's tender "I Can't Stop Loving You" was buried on the B-side, it became the album's breakout hit, earning a Grammy and propelling the album to million-selling status. Naturally, it didn't take long to record a second volume, which featured Hank Williams' "Take These Chains From My Heart" as its cornerstone. Personally I keep going back to "You Don't Know Me." Charles' evocative version is essentially the gold standard of this song, as he conveys the longing of a guy who can't find the words to tell his friend that he's in love with her. The song's writers, Eddy Arnold and Cindy Walker, are both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and because Modern Sounds introduced a whole new audience to country music, there's a strong argument to be made that Charles belongs in there, too.
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sis says:
I don’t think Ray Charles belongs in the country music hall of fame. Don’t get me wrong he can sing and play the piano good, but it’s just what it is.
solongsowrong says:
You really shouldn’t make a statement like that without any explaination. It makes one question whether you understand anything Craig is saying in his blog?
This isn’t a Pop act you’re talking about here, this Legend was about music as an art form. He crossed many genres of music effortlessly, and was a class act no matter which style he was performing. That’s what it is.
People should study some music history, and take a look at the contributions he has made to Country music, to understand what Craig is talking about here. It goes much further than Pop hits played on the radio.
Sis says:
Whatever.
Nina-Bertram says:
Great idea, thanks for this tip!
Cash Cow says:
Always check the spellings! hehe