Ray Charles – What’d I Say
Ray Charles’s What’d I Say is one of his most iconic songs and is widely regarded as a landmark in the birth of soul music. Blending gospel, blues, and rhythm & blues, the track sent shockwaves through the late 1950s music scene and went on to influence countless artists and genres that followed.
Song Overview
Released in 1959, What’d I Say was born out of pure improvisation during a live performance. Charles, having run out of material to fill his set, began to play a spontaneous groove to keep the audience entertained. The crowd’s enthusiastic response convinced him to record the song officially. With its driving electric piano riff (played on a Wurlitzer) and the infectious call-and-response between Ray and his backing singers, The Raelettes, the track overflows with energy and sensual rhythm.
Songwriting and Production
The song was written and composed by Ray Charles himself, showcasing his creativity and musical genius. It was produced by Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records, a legendary figure who helped shape the sound of modern soul. Together, Charles and Wexler fused the emotional intensity of gospel with the rhythm of R&B, creating a groundbreaking new sound that transcended musical boundaries.
Charts
What’d I Say became a massive hit upon its release, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Pop chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart in 1959. The song not only solidified Ray Charles’s status as a crossover star but also marked a turning point in popular music, paving the way for the rise of soul as a dominant genre. It has since been covered by numerous artists and remains one of the most influential tracks in music history.
Music Video
While there was no official music video at the time, several live recordings of What’d I Say capture Ray Charles’s electrifying performances. In 1960s television appearances and concert footage, Charles can be seen playing the piano while leading the audience and The Raelettes in passionate call-and-response exchanges. These performances demonstrated how his music evolved from something to listen to into something to experience.
Ray Charles & The Raelettes (feat. Billy Preston) "What'd I Say" on The Ed Sullivan Show
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Ray Charles – I Can’t Stop Loving You
Ray Charles’s I Can’t Stop Loving You, released in April 1962, is a classic ballad that became one of his signature songs. Originally a country tune, Charles transformed it with a soulful arrangement and his rich, emotional vocals, earning the song five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
