Showing posts with label Ray Charles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ray Charles. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

"Mess Around" by Ray Charles

Ray Charles (aka The Genius) was one of the biggest superstars of the 60s, ranking at #3 for the decade according to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles. The same book also ranked him as the 18th most successful artist of all-time.

Before his career kicked into high gear with the #6 smash in 1959, "What'd I Say", Ray Charles did a rousing version of "Mess Around" in 1953. It didn't chart, but has become a classic nonetheless. The tune was also famously featured in a memorable scene from the 80s movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.  

Saturday, April 30, 2016

"Well, I Told You" by The Chantels

The Chantels are best known for their big 1958 hit, "Maybe", which went to #15 on the Billboard Top 100. After a few more modest successes, the girls managed a minor comeback in 1962 with "Well, I Told You". The song was written in response to "Hit The Road Jack", which Ray Charles took to #1 the year before. "Well, I Told You" proved to be the last top 40 single for The Chantels, reaching #29.