Ray Charles (1957)
Compilation album
The album Ray Charles (aka Rock & Roll) is a compilation of 1950s Ray Charles singles on Atlantic. It includes several of his most legendary recordings and some lost classics that are every bit as great.
Ray Charles albums by release date
Category on ItsAllAboutRay.com
List of official Ray Charles albums for which there are pages on ItsAllAboutRay.com. Ray’s dozens (hundreds?) of compilation albums are excluded with the exception of four key early LPs on Atlantic that collected his 1950s singles.
More albums will be added here as new pages are published.
The Great Ray Charles (1957)
Jazz album
Everybody’s R&B hero Ray Charles jumps headlong into unexpected instrumental jazz on The Great Ray Charles, his first real album. With two sides of scintillating performances it’s a mesmerizing immersion in his musical genius.
Soul Brothers (1958)
Jazz album by Ray Charles and Milt Jackson
Soul Brothers saw Ray Charles teaming with vibraphonist Milt Jackson on some riveting modern jazz. The mono and stereo versions each contain a unique track.
Yes Indeed! (1958)
Compilation album
Ray Charles’ fifth album in 16 months, 1958’s “Yes Indeed” was a singles compilation of lost classics plus well-known recordings like “Lonely Avenue”.
Ray Charles At Newport (1958)
Live album
“Ray Charles At Newport” captures Ray’s wonderful performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958, with crowds already eating out of his daring hands.
What'd I Say (1959)
Compilation album
Atlantic’s third compilation album of Ray Charles’ 1950s R&B singles was this album, named after one of Ray’s strangest and most-beloved songs.
The Genius Of Ray Charles (1959)
Wracked with emotion and floating nimbly through its strings and brass, Ray’s third studio album remains one of the greatest achievements in music history.
Dedicated To You (1961)
“Dedicated To You” is a classic Ray Charles album, twelve beautifully played and sung tunes all featuring various women’s names.
Ray Charles And Betty Carter (1961)
by Ray Charles and Betty Carter
Ray Charles And Betty Carter is an album of duets telling the story of a night between a new couple, famous for its warmth and the singers’ chemistry.
Sweet And Sour Tears (1964)
Featuring all songs about crying, weeping, and tears, Ray Charles’ excellent 1964 Sweet And Sour Tears LP is both sad and defiant, and rich in emotion.
Crying Time (1966)
Arguably the best LP of Ray Charles’ career, Crying Time finds a newly smack-free genius bleeding his blues directly into the grooves of the vinyl.
Through The Eyes Of Love (1972)
Ray Charles’ 1972 album Through The Eyes Of Love contains eight beautiful and inspiring tracks, veering from happy to sad and showcasing his gentle side.
Come Live With Me (1974)
Ray Charles’ 1974 LP Come Live With Me featured one side of orchestrated ballads, one side of snappy R&B songs. It’s yet another masterful statement.
Ain't It So (1979)
Ain’t It So (1979) is a great Ray Charles album showing off an impressive range of styles of music all done with masterful grace and infectious enthusiasm.
Brother Ray Is At It Again (1980)
Ray Charles’s final 1970s album on Atlantic, Brother Ray Is At It Again is a wonderful mix of styles and feelings connected by Ray’s masterful touch on each.
Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (1984)
A strong album from Ray’s time at Columbia Records in the 1980s, Do I Ever Cross Your Mind is varied and fun, and the music and singing are top-notch.
Would You Believe? (1990)
Ray Charles’ 1990 LP Would You Believe? broke new ground, featuring synthesizers exclusively, alongside Ray’s grittily human howls and wails.
My World (1993)
With famous Paul Simon and Leon Russell covers, My World was a great late-period Ray Charles album and the final one released on vinyl during his lifetime.
Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again (2002)
The final album of Ray Charles’ lifetime was 2002’s Thanks For Bringing Love Around Again, a randy and emotional mix of synthesizers and Ray’s warm growl.