Before the legendary Ray Charles passed away last year, he laid out plans to use a set of recordings produced in 1998 to create an album of superstar duets with some of his favorite contemporary artists. It was among his last requests to his management that the project be completed and released. Now the Genius must be smiling up above as this stunning collection, finding him in tremendously strong voice on a lineup of memorable songs, is released on Rhino. Produced in conjunction with Ray Charles Enterprises and Ray's fellow music legends Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone, Genius & Friends follows on the heels of the phenomenally popular Genius Loves Company, and it shines throughout as Charles and an all-star roster of vocal partners serenade in sublime harmony.
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Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel: Ray Charles (vocals, piano); Chris Isaak, George Michael, Idina Menzel, John Legend, Laura Pausini, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Andrae Crouch Singers, Patti LaBelle, Angie Stone, Ruben Studdard, Willie Nelson, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Leela James (vocals). | | Recording information: 1991 - 2005. | | Following the runaway success of Ray Charles's final studio album, 2004's GENIUS LOVES COMPANY, Rhino Records opted to release another disc of his duet recordings. GENIUS & FRIENDS, which draws Charles's contributions from a set of 1998 studio sessions, was reportedly planned by the beloved performer before his death, and features an impressive roster of vocalists, from Gladys Knight to Chris Isaak to John Legend. Highlights include stirring takes on "You Are My Sunshine" (with Isaak), "Compared to What" (with Leela James), "All I Want to Do" (with Angie Stone), and "I Will Be There" (with Broadway star Idina Menzel). Although posthumous records can be scattershot affairs, the care taken in presenting GENIUS & FRIENDS makes it a worthy addition to Charles's remarkable legacy. |
Producer: Phil Ramone |
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