Gone Country: Ray Charles
The Genius of Soul not only made an impression on country music, he transformed it. His two 'Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music' albums in the early '60s did as much to popularize the genre as any of the era's country stars. Brother Ray's big-band R&B arrangements redefined songs like 'I Can't Stop Loving You' and 'You Are My Sunshine.' Charles continued to record country, including his 'Seven Spanish Angels' duet with Willie Nelson.