Holy Rollers: American Pentecostalism’s Musical Offspring
First-born Holy Rollers of American Pentecostalism include rebels Sister Rosetta Tharpe, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Ray Charles.
ray charles
Billy Vera Documents a Legendary Label With ‘Rip It Up: The Specialty Records Story’
Grammy-winner Billy Vera spent years working in the Speciality Records vaults and remains close to label founder Art Rupe. “Specialty is right up there with Atlantic, Chess, and Sun in terms of being important.” Enjoy this interview with the author and this book excerpt.
The Band of Heathens Honor Ray Charles With Soul, Love, and Song
Covering one of Ray Charles' most beloved albums track by track, the Band of Heathens' A Message From the People Revisited honors the humanity and soul of Charles with an Americana flair.
Aretha Franklin Before She Was the Queen of Soul
The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.
The Band of Heathens Resurrect Ray Charles’ “Heaven Help Us All” As a Timely Message of Unity and Justice (premiere)
On "Heaven Help Us All", the Band of Heathens create a warm, soulful, gospel sound that feels like the big hug we all need right about now.
The Fluke That Wasn’t: Reconsidering the Success of Ray Charles’ Country Music Landmark
How did R&B singer Ray Charles become a key face and voice for country music in the 1960s?
Songs of the Summers: The ’60s
As it turns out, America's infatuation with sometimes kooky summer tunes is an old one.
Counterbalance: Ray Charles’ ‘Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music’
You give your hand to me, and then you say goodbye. I watch you walk away beside a lucky to never, never know the one who loves you so. Because you haven't listened to this week's Counterbalance. Ray Charles' 1962 landmark this week.