Ray Charles - Sings for Lovers (2009)

Ray Charles so transformed the face of western pop music when he brought gospel phrasing and energy to secular material -- setting the stage for soul, funk, and so much more that would follow -- that it’s easy to forget what a singular vocalist he was, especially when he had a good love song in his hands. This 16-track compilation collects some of the best of those long song performances, and includes Charles’ classic versions of “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and “Stella by Starlight,” among other gems, and features him working with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Jack Halloran Singers, and his own Ray Charles' Big Band, as well as singing a fine duet with Betty Carter on “Every Time We Say Goodbye.” It’s hard to believe that anyone on the planet isn’t already acquainted with what this one-of-a-kind artist could do with a love song, but if there is someone out there in the dark about it, this set will be an illumination.