About the song
“Ray Charles Live” stands as a testament to the unparalleled artistry and electrifying performances of the legendary Ray Charles. Released in 1973 by Atlantic Records, this double LP compilation encapsulates the raw energy and soulful fervor of Charles’ live concerts. Drawing from two seminal live albums, “Ray Charles at Newport” and “Ray Charles in Person,” recorded in 1958 and 1959 respectively, the collection showcases Charles at the peak of his powers.
The album opens a portal to the Newport Jazz Festival of 1958, where Charles delivered a groundbreaking performance that cemented his reputation as a musical innovator. Tracks like “The Right Time” and “I Got a Woman” from this session exemplify Charles’ ability to blend rhythm and blues with gospel influences, creating a sound that transcended genres and captivated audiences worldwide.
Moving to the second part of the compilation, recorded at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta, Charles continues to mesmerize with his dynamic stage presence and virtuosic musicianship. The live rendition of “What’d I Say” pulsates with infectious groove, while “Georgia on My Mind” evokes poignant emotions, showcasing Charles’ heartfelt connection to his Southern roots.
One of the highlights of later CD re-issues is the inclusion of a previously unreleased gem from the 1958 Newport concert, “Swanee River Rock.” This addition enriches the listening experience, offering fans a deeper dive into Charles’ repertoire and his improvisational brilliance.
“Ray Charles Live” not only celebrates Charles’ extraordinary talent as a singer, pianist, and arranger but also highlights his role as a pioneer in integrating soul, blues, and jazz into a cohesive and influential style. His ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, coupled with his innovative musical vision, continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike.
In essence, this compilation is more than just a collection of live recordings—it is a testament to Ray Charles’ enduring legacy and his everlasting impact on the landscape of popular music. “Ray Charles Live” remains a timeless portrayal of a musical genius in his element, delivering performances that are as exhilarating today as they were when first captured live decades ago.
Video
Lyrics
Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong
Come and love your daddy all night long
All right now, hey, hey, all right
See the girl with the diamond ring
She knows how to shake that thing
All right now, hey, hey, hey, hey
Tell your mama, tell your pa
I’m going to send you back to Arkansas
Oh yes ma’am
You don’t do right, don’t do right
When you see me in misery
Come on baby see about me
Now yeah, all right
All right, oh, play it boy
When you see me in misery
Come on baby see about me
Now yeah, hey hey
All right
See the girl with the red dress on
She can do the Birdland all night long
Yeah yeah, what’d I say
All right
Well, tell me what’d I say
Tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say
Tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say
Tell me what’d I say
And I wanna know
Baby I wanna know right now
And I wanna know
And I wanna know right now yeah
And I wanna know
Said I wanna know, yeah
Hey (hey) ho (ho) hey (hey) ho (ho) hey (hey) ho (ho)
Oh one more time (just one more time)
Say it one more time right now (just one more time)
Say it one more time now (just one more time)
Say it one more time yeah (just one more time)
Say it one more time (just one more time)
Say it one more time yeah (just one more time)
Hey (hey) ho (ho) hey (hey) ho (ho) hey (hey) ho (ho)
Ah, make me feel so good (make me feel so good)
Make me feel so good now yeah (make me feel so good)
Woah, baby (make me feel so good)
Make me feel so good yeah (make me feel so good)
Make me feel so good (make me feel so good)
Make me feel so good yeah (make me feel so good)
Huh (huh) ho (ho) huh (huh) ho (ho) huh (huh) ho (ho)
Ah, it’s all right (baby it’s all right)
Said that it’s all right right now (baby it’s all right)
Said that it’s all right (baby it’s all right)
Said that it’s all right yeah (baby it’s all right)
Said that it’s all right (baby it’s all right)
Said that it’s all right (baby it’s all right)
Woah, shake that thing now (baby shake that thing)
Baby shake that thing now now (baby shake that thing)
Baby shake that thing (baby shake that thing)
Baby shake that thing right now (baby shake that thing)
Baby shake that thing (baby shake that thing)
Baby shake that thing (baby shake that thing)
Woah, I feel all right now yeah (make me feel all right)
Said I feel all right now (make me feel all right)
Woah (make me feel all right)
Tell you I feel all right (make me feel all right)
Said I feel all right (make me feel all right)
Baby I feel all right (make me feel all right)