Fresh Air Roots of R&B: Charles Brown & Ray Charles
Aug 30, 2025
In this captivating conversation, Ray Charles, the genre-defining soul singer known as 'The Genius', and Charles Brown, the iconic singer and pianist who fused Texas blues with Hollywood flair, share their musical journeys. They reflect on the profound influence of early R&B, personal struggles with loneliness, and the vibrant connections within the music scene. The duo also discusses the legacy of classic songs like 'Merry Christmas Baby' and Ray's groundbreaking contributions to integrating country music into R&B, highlighting the emotional depth of their art.
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Breakout With Driftin' Blues
- Charles Brown performed and sang his 1946 hit "Driftin' Blues" live in the studio, showcasing his signature blues-ballad style.
- He described the song's impact, noting it displaced Louis Jordan on charts and established his early fame.
Still Writing Deep Ballads
- Charles Brown played a newer song, "Everybody Looking for Somebody to Love, Even at My Age," live and discussed its themes of loneliness and searching.
- He emphasized continuing to write and perform soulful ballads into later life.
Develop Your Style First
- Charles Brown acknowledged Nat King Cole's influence on trio-style rhythm and arrangements despite not seeing Cole perform until after forming his own style.
- He emphasized establishing a personal style first to avoid copying others.