January 22nd, 2010

Ray Charles: The Start Of Something Special

 

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We all have to start from somewhere. For the incomparable Ray Charles his string of #1 hits began with this 1955 classic.

On January 22, 1955 Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman” entered the R&B charts. The gospel-inspired record would go on to become Charles’ first #1 hit on the R&B charts. Using a pace inspired by gospel music, secular lyrics and jazzy rhythm and blues instrumentation the song would lay the foundation for what would be called “soul music.” Rap superstar Kanye West would sample the song for his hit single “Gold Digger” in 2005.

. . This Day in Soul