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Ray Charles artist page: interviews, features and/or performances archived at NPR Music
Ray Charles was one of those rare musicians whose musical style blended many genres, drawing on jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, country, and rock 'n' roll, to create a unique and soulful sound. Hear Charles play "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" before joining McPartland for "The Man I Love."
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On his new album, That's What I Say, John Scofield pays tribute to the late master: Ray Charles. And he has some help, ranging from Mavis Staples and John Mayer to Dr. John and David "Fathead" Newman.
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As a backup singer, Angela Workman was one of Weekend Edition host Liane Hansen's first music interviews. For Hansen's 20th anniversary show, Workman spoke about the legacy of Ray Charles, and what she's been up to since.
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Scott Simon talks with jazz guitarist John Scofield about his album That's What I Say, on which he plays the music of Ray Charles.
()The legendary music producer Phil Ramone's vast discography includes the likes of Bob Dylan, Stan Getz, Madonna, Billy Joel and Ray Charles. Ramone speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about his work.
()NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to filmmaker Taylor Hackford about his new movie Ray, a biographical feature about the life and music of Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx's performance as the legendary musician, who died last June of liver disease, is already generating Oscar buzz.
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When Ray Charles died in June of this year, Hollywood was already at work on his film biography. NPR's Michele Norris talks with actor and comedian Jamie Foxx, who portrays the musical legend in Ray.
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Some of the biggest names in music joined Ray Charles for the late musician's final CD, Genius Loves Company. Hear longtime friend and keyboardist Billy Preston and album co-producer Phil Ramone talk about Ray Charles the man, his music and his lasting legacy.
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In memory of the late, great R&B singer, rock historian Ed Ward gives us a guided tour of a famous Ray Charles studio rehearsal tape, circa 1953.
()Radio producer and commentator Paul Ingles offers an appreciation of rhythm & blues legend Ray Charles, who died this past Thursday. For Ingles, there's one song that towers above all others.
()Bob French, a band leader and part-time radio disk jockey in New Orleans, La., talks about the Ray Charles songs he'll playing on his two-hour tribute show in honor of the late, legendary entertainer.
()American musical icon Ray Charles died of complications from liver disease Thursday at his Beverly Hills home. In a career that lasted more than half a century, Charles defied categorization and brought his soulful stylings to jazz, pop, country and R&B.
()Blues and gospel legend Ray Charles has died at the age of 73. Charles won the Grammy 12 times. His songs "Hit the Road, Jack," "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind" have become American classics. NPR's Felix Contreras offers an appreciation of the musician.
()Tavis Smiley speaks to Ray Charles about the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and about his version of the song America the Beautiful.
()Tavis Smiley interviews music legend Ray Charles about his new CD Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again. Charles talks about the album, his career and why after 50 years in the business, he still finds enjoyment in making music (10:18).
Listen to the entire 27 minute interview
He improvised it on stage one night in 1959. But when he heard the audience respond, he knew that his simple call-and-response tune would make for a hit. Long afterward, Ray Charles continued to play "What'd I Say" as an encore to his concerts.
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The singer-songwriter's new CD, Harps and Angels, is as good as anything he's ever done. Newman stopped by to DJ an episode of All Songs Considered and talk about his favorite songs, as well as the musicians who've shaped his music — especially Ray Charles, the Beatles and his uncle, Alfred Newman.
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Ray Davies, former frontman for The Kinks, shares some of the songs that have inspired him over the years with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. Hear music from Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Chuck Berry and more, as well as selections from Ray Davies' latest solo album, Working Man's Cafe.
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A new album features the late Ray Charles playing with the Count Basie Orchestra, but Charles never actually recorded with the group. The tracks were mashed together by an audio engineer who used to play with Charles.
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For lovers of jazz music, the year 2005 brought a wealth of reissues by critical artists from Jelly Roll Morton to John Coltrane. The music, the result of exhaustive archival and restoration work, adds new details to one of America's richest musical traditions.
()The CD that Ray Charles spent much of the last two years of his life working on is released. Called Genius Loves Company the CD features duets with Norah Jones, Van Morrison and BB King, among others. NPR's Tom Moon has a review.
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Does music you hear in the morning set the tone for your day? Would you rather have music create a mood for you, or just match the mood you're already in? Hear five jazz songs to get you into a morning groove, even if that groove reflects a relationship hangover.
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Americans have been observing Labor Day since 1894, through cycles of economic good times and bad times. Here are five songs by great blues and soul artists on the subject of work — and, whenever possible, the avoidance thereof.
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