Today we are celebrating one of the greatest musicians to ever live, Ray Charles. The Genius would have been 84 today.

« Ray Charles was one of those rare artists who, throughout his incredible career, had far-reaching impact that forever changed the conventions of popular music as well as the music business, » said Concord Music Group Chief Creative Officer John Burk. This resounding statement and similar sentiments have echoed throughout the music industry for decades, as countless individuals have expressed Charles’ indelible contributions and influence.

Guest stars who appeared on Ray Charles’ tremendously successful duet album, Genius Loves Company, shared their feelings back in 2004: Norah Jones, who teamed with Charles on « Here We Go Again » stated, « He was as big an influence on me as you can get. I couldn’t believe that I got to sing with him. It was such an honor. » Elton John, who performed with Charles on the emotionally stirring « Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, » offered, « He had an enormous effect on my career. Anything he put out, I bought. He has one of the greatest voices of all time. »

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the legend’s final milestone recording, Concord/Hear Music will release deluxe reissues of Genius Loves Company in a variety of formats beginning September 30th, 2014. One of Charles’ most inspirational and historically significant albums, Genius Loves Company captures the genius of the music icon in his last studio recording pairing him with legendary guest artists including Norah Jones, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Elton John, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt, to name a few. The album went on to receive an astounding 8 GRAMMY® Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.

Visit Ray Charles’ website: http://www.raycharles.com/