Ray Charles, Concord To Release A Series of Duets

  I  

Concord Records and Ray Charles have inked a deal for Charles’ first new recording effort since 2001—an album of duets—scheduled for release on Aug. 31.

Guests on the as-yet-untitled album include Norah Jones, B.B. King, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor. The album contains mostly standards, recorded in setups from big band to trio.

The 73-year-old pianist, composer and vocalist first worked with Concord on Poncho Sanchez’s Out Of Sight. “We had such a fun time and enjoyed a great rapport,” Charles said. “It seemed like a natural step to work on a whole album together.”

A feature film based on Charles’ life, “Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story,” will also be out this year. Comedian and actor Jamie Foxx will portray Charles.

For more information, visit www.raycharles.com or www.concordrecords.com



  • Jack_DeJohnette_by_Steve_Sussman.jpg

    ​Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.

  • Gordon_Goodwin_2020.jpg

    Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.

  • 750x750_copy.jpg

    ​D’Angelo achieved commercial and critical success experimenting with a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop.

  • Flea_-_Photo_2_by_Clara_Balzary_copy.jpg

    Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.

  • Grammy_Nominations_2026_copy.jpg

    To see the complete list of nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, go to grammy.com.

    The Grammy Nominations Are In

    The nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards are in, with plenty to smile about for the worlds of jazz, blues and beyond.…


On Sale Now
December 2025
Christian McBride & Jeffrey Osborne
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad