Ray Charles – Ray Charles

Ray Charles – Ray Charles

Ray Charles is a classic collection showcasing the early blues and rhythm & blues recordings of one of the most influential musicians in popular music. This 10-track vinyl compilation brings together performances from Ray Charles’ formative years, highlighting the raw blues, gospel and R&B foundations that would become central to his groundbreaking sound.

Before becoming known worldwide as “The Genius”, Ray Charles was already developing a distinctive musical identity that blended blues piano, gospel intensity, jazz sophistication and deeply expressive vocals. Tracks such as Blues Is My Middle Name, I Used To Be So Happy and The Ego Song capture the young Charles working within the blues and R&B tradition, while his powerful piano playing and unmistakable vocal delivery hint at the revolutionary soul sound he would help create.

The collection also features I Live Only For You, the blues-driven Easy Riding Gal, and the energetic Hey Now!. On Side B, What Have I Done, I'm Just A Lonely Boy, I'm Going Down The River and Late In The Evening Blues showcase Charles’ ability to combine emotional storytelling with swinging rhythms and expressive blues piano. These recordings demonstrate why his early work remains essential listening for fans of classic American rhythm & blues and soul.

This particular self-titled compilation was issued in the UK as a stereo vinyl LP, with editions appearing on labels including Fidelity/Saga and Boulevard. The track sequence is associated with the early Ray Charles catalogue and draws heavily from his blues-era recordings.

An excellent choice for collectors of Ray Charles vinyl, early soul, blues and vintage R&B, Ray Charles offers a fascinating snapshot of the artist before his later international success. Essential for fans of Ray Charles, Charles Brown, Fats Domino, Louis Jordan and classic Atlantic-era R&B.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Blues Is My Middle Name
2. I Used To Be So Happy
3. The Ego Song
4. I Live Only For You
5. Easy Riding Gal

Side B

1. Hey Now!
2. What Have I Done
3. I'm Just A Lonely Boy
4. I'm Going Down The River
5. Late In The Evening Blues