Ray Charles was more than a musical innovator; he was a genre-defying force who redefined country music’s reach and resonance. Best of Country & Western, the latest collection of Charles' biggest country hits, brings together 12 defining tracks that span three decades of his career, reaffirming his powerful impact on country music and bridging cultural divides along the way. As Willie Nelson put it, “Ray Charles did more for country music than any other artist.” This album is proof of that claim.

From his first country hit, “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” to his final chart-topping duet with Willie Nelson on “Seven Spanish Angels,” Best of Country & Western distills Ray’s unique mastery of country music into a single, hit-packed album. This is the first time fans can hear his greatest country songs side-by-side, meticulously curated in partnership with The Ray Charles Foundation. It’s an ideal starting point for casual listeners and a nostalgic journey for lifelong fans, illuminating the roots of today’s country stars who owe so much to Charles’ cross-genre innovations.

With each song, Charles reshaped perceptions of country music, often blending blues, soul, and gospel elements to reflect his signature style. This brand new collection captures the raw, timeless quality of his music, with tracks remastered by Michael Graves, a multi-Grammy-winning engineer known for his work preserving legendary recordings. The album itself is crafted to evoke a vintage feel, paying homage to the era in which these tracks were first heard.

When Ray Charles released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music in 1962, it not only topped the Billboard Pop Album Chart but redefined what a country album could be. That album, featuring the iconic “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” shattered expectations for Black artists in country music, reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts. It set records, earned Charles a Grammy, and remains the only time a Black artist has topped the pop charts with a country song. His reimagined country classics challenged genre boundaries, resonating with audiences everywhere and proving that great country music is, at its heart, a universal language.

With Best of Country & Western, listeners can now relive Ray Charles’ most impactful contributions to country music, taking in each track as a timeless piece of a groundbreaking legacy. For anyone curious to hear where today’s country stars find inspiration, this album is an essential listen and a new entry in the canon of Ray Charles’ genius.