This album changed Country music | Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Episode description
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Ray Charles' "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music". Released in 1962, it was an immediate success, bridging the big band and jazz sound that Ray Charles had pioneered during the previous decade, with hits from country music. The album is made up of twelve covers of songs previously made famous by artists such as the Everly Brothers and Hank Williams. Three songs from the album were released as singles, with "I Can't Stop Loving You" being the biggest hit, going number one for five weeks. The single was also nominated and won the Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues song at the 1963 Grammy's. Many country artists, including Willie Nelson, have cited this album as a turning point in expanding the appeal of country music and have noted it influenced their careers as well. Will the boys find this album impactful to the podcast? Come along and find out!