Album of the Day

Ray Charles first entered Atlantic Records' New York studios to begin recording for the label in 1952. For five years Brother Ray's work would be doled out on singles until Atlantic finally got into the LP business - which means that Charles' self-titled debut album (later re-released as HALLELUJAH I LOVE HER SO) was culled from years of hits. Among the 1957 collection's 14 tracks are R&B Top Tens “Mess Around,” “Drown In My Own Tears” and the iconic “I Got A Woman.” With ace Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler at the helm for these sessions, quality control was pretty high, and the instrumental arrangements match the brilliance of the singing. The protean performer still had nearly fifty years ahead of him, but the volcanic RAY CHARLES proves his genius was there from the start.