Rhino is celebrating what would be Ray Charles’ 75th Birthday with two very special releases – both in stores September 20th!

Before the legendary Ray Charles passed away last year, he laid out plans to use a set of recordings produced in 1998 to create an album of superstar 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 up above as this stunning collection, 'Genius and Friends' finding him in tremendously strong voice on a lineup of memorable songs, is released on Rhino.

Produced in conjunction with Ray Charles Enterprises and Ray's fellow music legends Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone, '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 vocal partners serenade in sublime harmony.

Also released is the 'Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) Box Set'. Packed with 164 tracks and almost nine hours of music, the Box Set features Charles' complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-59) on seven CDs, a DVD featuring his 1960 Newport Jazz Festival Performance, Classics, Rarities, Live Performances, Studio Dialog, and nearly an hour of previously unreleased music.

Box Set Purchase Link

If you would like to win a copy of 'Genius and Friends', just answer this easy question: Who played Ray Charles in a recent Oscar-winning movie performance?

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great new CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before October 13th with your answer and the subject title 'RAY CHARLES CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

Discount Purchase Link

Listening Party Audio Links - "Genius & Friends"

Listening Party Audio Links - "Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) Box Set"