The Genius of Ray Charles [SEP] record label
The Genius of Ray Charles
The Genius of Ray Charles is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Ray Charles, released in 1959 by Atlantic Records. The album eschewed the soul sound of his 1950s recordings, which fused jazz, gospel, and blues, for with big band arrangements. It comprises a first half of big band songs and a second half of string-backed ballads. "The Genius of Ray Charles" sold fewer than 500,000 copies and charted at number 17 on the "Billboard" 200. "
Movin' On") and recorded three more albums for the label: a jazz record ("The Genius After Hours", 1961); a blues record ("The Genius Sings the Blues", 1961); and a big band record ("The Genius of Ray Charles" which was his first Top 40 album, peaking at number 17.
His contract with Atlantic expired in 1959, and several big labels offered him record deals; choosing not to renegotiate his contract with Atlantic, he signed with ABC