About the Song
Ray Charles and his iconic song, “I Got a Woman”. This one brings back memories, doesn’t it? Released in 1954, it was a turning point for Ray Charles and the rhythm and blues scene as a whole.
Now, Ray Charles was already a well-respected figure by then. He was a phenomenal pianist, a soulful singer, and a composer with a knack for weaving blues and gospel influences into something truly special. But “I Got a Woman” was different. It was a shot of pure, infectious energy.
The song’s got a simple premise, a man boasting about the wonderful woman in his life. But it’s the way Ray Charles delivers it that makes it magic. His raspy, soulful vocals practically leap out of the speakers, brimming with joy and a touch of playful swagger. The piano pounds out a driving rhythm section, punctuated by the insistent horn section. It’s a sound that’s both sophisticated and raw, a sound that would go on to define a whole generation of rhythm and blues.
“I Got a Woman” wasn’t just a hit song, it was a game-changer. It helped bridge the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll, paving the way for artists like The Rolling Stones and Billy Joel. But more importantly, it captured a feeling. The feeling of pure, unadulterated joy, of having something good in your life and wanting to shout it from the rooftops. It’s a feeling that resonates just as strongly today as it did back in 1954. So, put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let Ray Charles remind you of what it feels like to have a woman – or a man, for that matter – who makes your whole world light up.