As the musician most responsible for the development of soul music, Ray Charles deserves his title as one of the figures of genius in 20th Century music. This 2CD collection presents his work between 1949 and 1953, when his piano playing and singing were in the process of marrying the R&B, blues and gospel styles into what would become soul. Over the course of the singles contained in this collection, Charles would not only score jukebox & radio hits but along the way create a whole new style of music. While these earlier sides are smoother than what was to come in later years, you can hear all the elements of Charles’ music fully in place. Includes full liner notes, photographs and discography charting the rise of this amazing performer.