Ray Charles

Genius Loves Company

First released2004

Genius Loves Company, released in 2004, was Ray Charles' final studio album recorded in the last years of his life at various studios including Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The album was produced by Nigel Godrich, known for his work with Radiohead, who oversaw the recording of Charles' vocal performances which were often recorded separately from the guest artists' contributions. The project featured duets with contemporary and classic artists including B.B. King, Norah Jones, and Willie Nelson, with their parts frequently recorded at different times and locations before being mixed together. Charles' declining health during production meant that recording sessions were carefully scheduled around his medical needs, and the album was completed in 2003 shortly before his death in June 2004. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Album in 2005, becoming a major commercial and critical success and serving as a poignant farewell to the legendary musician.