Ray Charles Blended Soul and Country, Becoming a Country Music Icon

The pioneering artist's 1962 album 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' broke racial and genre barriers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1962, Ray Charles revolutionized American music by blending soul and country on his album 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.' His soulful renditions of country classics like 'I Can't Stop Loving You,' 'You Don't Know Me,' and 'Born to Lose' helped those songs become crossover standards and earned him a Country Music Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

Why it matters

Charles's innovative approach not only broke racial and genre barriers but also brought country music to a wider, more diverse audience. His influence on the genre was profound, with Willie Nelson stating that Charles 'kicked country music forward 50 years' and introduced the music to 'millions and millions of people who, otherwise, would have never had a chance to hear them.'

The details

In 1962, Charles released the albums 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' (Volumes 1 & 2), which were the first country albums recorded by a Black artist to achieve crossover and mainstream success. His soulful interpretations of country classics like 'I Can't Stop Loving You' and 'You Don't Know Me' became standards, earning him a Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

  • In 1962, Charles released 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' (Volumes 1 & 2).
  • 'I Can't Stop Loving You' hit the top of the Billboard music charts on June 2, 1962, and remained on the charts for 18 weeks.
  • Charles was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.
  • Charles was honored by the Grand Ole Opry in 2018, celebrating his profound impact on country music.

The players

Ray Charles

An American singer, songwriter, and pianist who revolutionized American music by blending soul and country, breaking racial and genre barriers in the 1960s.

Willie Nelson

A country music icon who praised Charles's influence on the genre, stating that he 'kicked country music forward 50 years.'

Don Gibson

The writer of the songs 'Oh Lonesome Me' and 'I Can't Stop Loving You,' which Charles covered on his 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' albums.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Here's Ray Charles doing country songs, introducing those songs to millions and millions of people who, otherwise, would have never had a chance to hear them.”

— Willie Nelson (Country Music Hall of Fame)

“When Ray did 'I Can't Stop Loving You,' that was probably the time when country music was heard by more people than ever before. He kicked country music forward 50 years. Before him, a lot of people had probably never heard of songs by Don Gibson or Hank Williams.”

— Willie Nelson (The Tennessean)

“I just wanted to try my hand at hillbilly music. After all, the Grand Ole Opry had been performing inside my head since I was a kid in the country.”

— Ray Charles (OPRY)

The takeaway

Ray Charles's pioneering work in blending soul and country music not only broke racial and genre barriers but also introduced country music to a wider, more diverse audience, cementing his legacy as a true icon of American music.