Ray Charles’ participation in Country music changed the way that the public perceived the genre. Now, in celebration of what would’ve been his 94th birthday, Charles’ own Tangerine Records has announced five newly remastered albums, including four classic titles, and a new entry into the Ray Charles canon. Together, they make a strong statement about his influence in breaking down boundaries as one of the first major Black artists in Country music.

The album release program commences with the game-changing 1962 albums Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music and Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music Vol. 2, both available this Friday, September 27, 2024.

These will be followed by 1965’s Country & Western Meets Rhythm & Blues and 1966’s Crying Time on October 18, 2024 marking the first time these two albums will be available on vinyl since their original pressing.

On November 15, 2024 a new compilation album titled Best of Country & Western will be released, featuring highlights from across Charles’ Country music recordings. All will be available on vinyl, CD and all streaming platforms.

Originally released in 1962, the groundbreaking Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music changed popular music and led Willie Nelson to remark, “Ray Charles did more for country music than any other artist.” It quickly became one of the best-selling albums recorded by a Black musician of the time, as well as one of the best-selling Country albums.

This first installment spawned four hit singles, including “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” which won Best Rhythm & Blues Recording at the fifth annual Grammy Awards. Charles remains the first and only Black performer to earn a Grammy Award and a #1 Billboard Pop chart hit with a Country song. Volume 2 followed its predecessor that same year and received similar acclaim and commercial success, featuring three hit singles including the classic, “You Are My Sunshine.”