Blues, Soul & More

Ray Charles was an American institution for such a long period of time that his contributions to music are immense. He made songs such as "Georgia on My Mind" and "America the Beautiful" sound like they were written for him.

Charles began his career as a pianist and singer who was closely influenced by Nat King Cole and Charles Brown. Although he started recording in the late 1940s, it was not until he cut "I Got a Woman" in 1955 that he found his own sound, infusing secular music with the power and emotions of gospel. In time he became so influential that he virtually founded soul music. However Ray Charles could never be confined to just one style, and he enjoyed performing jazz (sometimes taking an alto solo and guesting on an occasional jazz date on piano), pop and even country.

Live In Concert features Charles and his big band performing 20 selections including "I Got a Woman," "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind" and some less likely material such as "Baby Won't You Please Come Home," "Late in the Evening Blues" and "Sitting on Top of the World." The well-rounded program serves as a strong introduction to Brother Ray's musical legacy.

—Scott Yanow