Missed this one the other day and it's a classic! A filler no less (sic) and improvised and it ends being so ubiquitous it may as well as be in the public domain! We posted this before but you know what? I don't care! Turn it up!

The awesome Mr Ray Charles!

On this day in music history: August 3, 1959 - “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 1 week, also peaking at #6 on the Hot 100 on August 17, 1959. Written and produced by Ray Charles, it is the fifth R&B chart topper for the Albany, GA born singer, songwriter and musician dubbed “The Genius”. The song is improvised on the spot at a gig in December 1958 when Charles and his band, having played their entire set list begin playing the song when they still have time to fill. After several people inquire about where they can purchase a copy of the song, Charles decides to record it after the tour finishes. The track is recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York City on February 18, 1959. On the session, Charles plays a Wurlitzer electric piano, which at the time is looked down upon by many musicians as a novelty and not a serious instrument. With Ray Charles’ use of the electric piano, he almost singlehandedly popularizes its use after the records release. Clocking in at nearly six and a half minutes, Atlantic Records at first is concerned about its length, and about how radio and the public will react to the suggestive call and response vocals of Charles and The Raelettes in the second half of the song. The label splits the track into two parts for the 45, and holds its release back until Summer. It takes off immediately, becoming the record that finally breaks Ray Charles into the pop mainstream. “What’d I Say” become one his signature songs, and the one he closes his live performances with for the remainder of his career. The single is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2000, and added to the National Recording Registry by The Library Of Congress in 2002.“What’d I Say” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.  

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Jeff says:

behindthegrooves:

When I started this blog here in October of 2011, it was to indulge and share my passion for music with others. In just a few years, “Behind The Grooves” has grown from just a handful of followers to over 21,000 here on Tumblr alone. These posts require extensive research and many hours to write and edit, and are the product of my own personal diligence and dedication.

Presently, I’m unemployed and struggling to keep myself afloat financially. I am making an appeal to my followers for donations. I’m also looking to publish my writing (in hard copy and or in e-book form), and am trying to raise the funds to make that happen.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone that can make a donation, can do so by clicking on the link at: PayPal.Me/jharris1228

I greatly appreciate any support you can give. Every bit helps!! Thank you!!