“Laughin And Clownin”
Song by Ray Charles
Ray Charles began the 1970s as he had the 1950s and 1960s: with a weepy piano blues. From January 1970, “Laughin And Clownin” follows a I-IV-V chord sequence and finds Ray and his small combo drowning in their own tears. Distinguished by the interplay between Ray’s conventional piano and overdubbed electric piano, “Laughin And Clownin” was only available on a 7″ single. It showcases an artist that never forgot his roots and could still wallow in the miserable parts of his psyche. It’s a missive from the midst of a charmed but difficult life.
Minutiae for Ray Charles nerds
As photos of the 45 label show, “Laughin And Clownin” was rendered without apostrophes.
Single releases
“Laughin And Clownin”
b/w
“That Thing Called Love”
Listen to “Laughin And Clownin”
Get your own “Laughin And Clownin” on 45 or MP3 from Amazon. Or get the out-of-print complete ABC singles 5xCD box set.