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The Best of Ray Charles

Vinyl Record Clock | $80.00. Released in 1966 by Design Records, this album brings together Ray Charles' early blues recordings from the late 1940s and early 1950s. By the time of the album's release, he was already a star. The record gave listeners a chance to hear where his career began. Ray brought blues and gospel together to help shape soul music. His voice reached audiences across America, while also refusing to perform on segregated stages. He also negotiated ownership of his recordings, gaining rare control over his work.This clock depicts a time when a black artist could be celebrated for his voice while still having to fight for the freedom to choose where to perform.Fun Fact: Ray Charles fathered 12 children, with 10 different women.