Ray Charles Genius Company

Genius Loves Company is the final studio album by rhythm and blues and soul musician Ray Charles, posthumously released August 31, 2004 on Concord Records. Recording sessions for the album took place between June 2003 and March 2004. The album consists of rhythm and blues, soul, country, blues, jazz and pop standards performed by Charles and several guest musicians, such as Natalie Cole, Elton John, James Taylor, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt. Genius Loves Company was the last album recorded and completed by Charles before his death in June 2004.

Upon its release in 2004, few could have predicted the extraordinary, game-changing effect that Ray Charles’ final recording would have on both his career and the industry as a whole. One of Charles’ most inspirational and historically significant albums, "Genius Loves Company" captures the genius of the music icon in his last studio recording pairing him with legendary guest artists including Norah Jones, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Elton John, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt to name a few. The album went on to receive an astounding 8 GRAMMY Awards, including 'Album of the Year' and 'Record of the Year'. Since its release on August 31st, 2004, Genius Loves Company has been certified multi-platinum with worldwide sales in excess of 5 million copies.

Upon its release in 2004, few could have predicted the extraordinary, game-changing effect that Ray Charles’ final recording would have on both his career and the industry as a whole. One of Charles’ most inspirational and historically significant albums, "Genius Loves Company" captures the genius of the music icon in his last studio recording pairing him with legendary guest artists including Norah Jones, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Elton John, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt to name a few. The album went on to receive an astounding 8 GRAMMY Awards, including 'Album of the Year' and 'Record of the Year'. Since its release on August 31st, 2004, Genius Loves Company has been certified multi-platinum with worldwide sales in excess of 5 million copies.

Genius Loves Company is a 2004 album by Ray Charles, consisting of duets between Charles and musicians. The contributing artists were personally chosen by Ray Charles. It was the last album he completed before his death. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200. At the Grammys on February 13, 2005, it won eight awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for the song "Here We Go Again".

"Genius Loves Company" is a 2004 album by Ray Charles, consisting of duets between Charles and musicians. The contributing artists were personally chosen by Ray Charles. It was the last album he completed before his death. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200. At the Grammys on February 13, 2005, it won eight awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for the song "Here We Go Again".

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of its release, Concord Music Group in conjunction with The Ray Charles Foundation and Hear Music will re-introduce this treasured album in a special 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. Genius Loves Company, originally released in 2004, is one of music's most inspirational and historically significant albums of all time. With over 5.5 million copies sold, Ray Charles final studio album is certified multi-Platinum, Gold or Silver in numerous territories around the world. It is the Winner of eight GRAMMY Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year in 2005 (tied with number of GRAMMYs won for Norah Jones Come Away With Me and Michael Jackson s Thriller).

Another classic album of Ray Charles songs with many awesome guests. It has a definite POP flavor, but there are some gems. ;-) Enjoy!

Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius". Among friends and fellow musicians he preferred being called "Brother Ray". Charles was blinded during childhood, possibly due to glaucoma.