On This Date (21 Years Ago): Ray Charles – Genius Loves Company

August 31, 2004 – Ray Charles released Genius Loves Company, his final studio album, just two months after his passing. The record soared to #1 on the Billboard 200 and became one of the most celebrated works of his legendary career.

Highlights:

• Features 12 duets with icons like Elton John, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, and Van Morrison.

• Earned 10 Grammy nominations, winning 9 awards at the 47th Grammy Awards—including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Here We Go Again” with Norah Jones.

• Showcased Ray’s lifelong versatility across genres—soul, jazz, country, pop, and gospel.

Ray Charles on the project:

“I’ve recorded with so many amazing artists in my career but never on a duets album all my own. All the guests brought their own magic to each song. That’s what we wanted and that’s exactly what we got.”

Legacy:Genius Loves Company is more than an album—it’s Ray’s farewell gift to the world. Blending voices across generations, it captured the timeless truth of his music: “A beautiful song is a beautiful song.”