The Genius of Ray Charles

The Genius of Ray Charles (1959) showcases Ray Charles applying his gospel-rooted vocal phrasing and piano to arrangements that sit at the intersection of jazz, blues and big band. The album pairs soulful, emotive singing and blues-inflected piano with prominent horn charts and orchestral textures, placing it between small-combo jazz and larger ensemble sounds. It illustrates Charles's ability to blend gospel, jazz and blues influences into an early model of soul and soul-jazz expression.