Episode 282 is RAY CHARLES. If you had to describe American music in the form of one person, it would be Ray Charles. He melded blues, R&B, jazz, and gospel into what we now call soul, helped integrate country, and reached out into pop standards and modern pop. A legend. That said, the albums themselves, especially after the mid-60s, are generally weak sauce. I recommend a greatest hits collection or, better yet, video of concert performances as his smile and sway light up the venue.
Favorite album: Doing His Thing
Favorite song: What’d I Say
Compared to expectations: ↓
Opus Project 