Much credit to Eddie Arnold and Cindy Walker for writing this achingly beautiful classic. But no one got deeper into a song and delivered the message of its creators than Ray Charles.
You are my senior by a single year. I heard Ray Charles back then too. The very first record I ever heard bought was an EP of his and this was one of the four songs on it. We have similar reactions to it now, it seems. Incidentally, I have just completed the sale of every vinyl record I ever had. I once valued the hifi sound quality but now, because I no longer have hifi quality ears, I valued the vacated space more.
Thank you for posting this Javier. This performance was recorded live before a studio audience during the last "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters" variety show June 26, 1982, if I am not mistaken. Folks, this is one of those peerless performances that goes beyond the description of mere words. Practically every note, vocal, piano, and guitar seems perfectly nuanced and placed, such subtle note selection from the bassist. I'll remark on one: at the 15 second mark, you are going to hear Ray turn a vibrato into mere breath. Who would know to do that? Never heard it done before, or since. Words fail me but I'll use one; peerless.
The great and illustrious Mr. Ray Charles can never ever be duplicated or replicated - NEVER!! He is a legend whom is greatly missed; simply gone too soon. His music will live on forever and in our hearts Love you dearly Mr. Ray Charles. 👍🏻👏🤗❤💚🕉
This man is the King of Soul. He imo invented soul music with his first big hit, I Got a Woman. Saw him in concert 1963. Still best concert I ever saw. His 16 piece band played for half an hour before he walked on stage led by someone. Sinatra was once called a genius. He said, "No there's only one genius in music and it's Ray Charles." There were others but they came later.
For me this song starts at 00:39. Easily the best version of Ray singing this song. His phrasing and inflection here are enough to bring you to your knees. So damn good, I can't even.
Admiro mucho a Ray Charles, un gran compositor musical y ser humano . Bendiciones infinitas 🙏 al Cielo ! Dejó un gran legado musical con su estilo tan original ! 🙏❤️
This song hits different for me, I had a friend i had a thing for, she was single last time i saw her. I thought she was perfect for me, then i saw her again for graduation so beautiful! i did'nt get her number or ask her to go on a date of some sorts. my chance was right infront of me, i missed it now she is dating a guy for about a year now, it makes me sick. but ray and i feel the same thats why i connect with this song so much.
You never know. Maybe find out where she is and let her know somehow how you feel (In a round about way). Not to make trouble , but at least you can get it off your chest.
The kind of song that makes a duy asks a lady for a dance. Subtle nuances, an extended hand and invitation to dance, ... oh, the possibilities for romance. But, first, we must meet.
I often wonder what Mozart, Beethoven would feel brought back to listen to the likes of Ray performing this, of The Long and Winding Road, of Bridge Over Troubled Water...and many more.
My top five songs... oh, you don't know the one... to you I'm just a friend, that's all I've ever been... oh, you don't know me... oh baby... at least I'm a lucky guy... the one who loved you so..."
When I think of saddest songs ever written, this hovers somewhere near the top every time. I was lucky enough to hear him perform it live twice. There will never be another Ray Charles. Gifted, generous, and magical. Also, this song is so deeply human I still feel my heart could crack wide open every time I hear it.
