This disc of all-new duet recordings commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Genius' birth and spotlights the legendary Ray Charles collaborations with superstar partners John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, George Michael, Angie Stone, Diana Ross, and more! Before Ray passed away last year, he laid out plans to use a set of recordings produced in 1998 to create an album of duets with some of his favorite contemporary artists. It was among his last requests to his management that the project be completed and released. Now, the Genius must be smiling from up above as this stunning collection finds him in tremendously strong voice on a lineup of memorable songs. Released on Rhino and produced in conjunction with Ray Charles Enterprises, Genius & Friends follows on the heels of the phenomenally popular Genius Loves Company and it shines throughout as Charles and an all-star roster of partners serenade in sublime harmony. 2005.
1) You Are My Sunshine
2) Imagine
3) It All Goes By So Fast - Mary J. Blige
4) I Believe in Your Touch - John Legend
5) Big Bad Love - Diana Ross
6) Busted
7) Living for the City
8) All I Want to Do - Angie Stone
9) Compared to What
10) Shout - Patti Labelle with the Andrae Crouch Choir
11) You Were There - Gladys Knight
12) Blame It on the Sun - George Michael
13) You Leave Me Breathless
14) America the Beautiful