The complete album + 2 bonus tracks - pressed on 180g red vinyl, contains new specially prepared liner notes by Penguin Guide to Jazz's writer Brian Morton.
The Genius of Ray Charles is an iconic album released by Atlantic Records in 1959. The album consists of two parts, the first featuring standards with big band arrangements by Quincy Jones, and the second part featuring ballads with string arrangements by Ralph Burns. Highlights include "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'", both of which were released as singles.
The big band sides feature musicians from Ray Charles' own band augmented with musicians from the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras. The string sides are built around a quartet with trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, guitarist Allen Hanlon, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Ted Sommer. Charles is heard throughout on piano and vocals.
The album sold over 500,000 copies and charted at number 17 on Billboard.
The bonus tracks are "Georgia On My Mind" and "Hit The Road Jack".
Side 1
1. Let The Good Times Roll
2. It Had To Be You
3. Alexander's Ragtime Band
4. Two Years Of Torture
5. When Your Lover Has Gone
6. Deed I Do
7. Georgia On My Mind
Side 2
1. Just For A Thrill
2. You Won't Let Me Go
3. Tell Me You'll Wait For Me
4. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
5. Am I Blue
6. Come Rain Or Come Shine
7. Hit The Road, Jack
