It Should've Been Me

Ray Charles

About It Should've Been Me

"It Should've Been Me" is a 1954 rhythm and blues song written by Memphis Curtis, produced by Ahmet Ertegun and recorded and released as a single by American singer Ray Charles. Recorded at the same May 10, 1953 session as the boogie-woogie-like R&B hit "Mess Around", which was written by Ertegun and released first, "It Should've Been Me" played on a comedic rap vibe/jive in which Charles talked about certain instances where he was smitten with "fine chicks" only to be dismayed that they had partners causing Charles (and in background vocal, Atlantic session musician and writer Jesse Stone), to say "it should have been (him) with (those) real fine chick(s). " Despite being blind since the age of seven, Ray repeatedly states in the song that he saw different things and different "chicks." Released in early 1954, the song became Charles' first charted hit for Atlantic Records and soon reached number five on the Billboard R&B singles chart. The song begins: As I passed by, a real fine hotel, a chick walked out, she sure looked swell.. James Booker covered the song on his album Resurrection Of The Bayou Maharajah (1993) as part of a medley with "Life" and "Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee". more »

Year:: 1997
: 2:40
: 482 Views
Playlists:: #1

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Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American musician known as Ray Charles (to avoid confusion with champion boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.) He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds albums. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company.Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” more »

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Blues, Funk / Soul

9 facts about this song

Release and Popularity "It Should've Been Me" is a song by Ray Charles that was released in 1954 and peaked at number five on the Billboard R&B chart.
Genre The song is a blend of Rhythm and Blues, a genre that Ray Charles is celebrated for revolutionizing. He combined gospel, jazz, and blues elements to form a new sound in R&B.
Songwriter The song was written by Memphis Curtis, a renowned American songwriter and producer known for writing many hits in R&B, pop, and country music.
Album Inclusion "It Should've Been Me" was included in Ray Charles's third studio album "Ray Charles," often referred to as The Genius of Ray Charles.
Historical Context The song's lyrics represent a slice of mid-20th century American culture, reflecting the trials and tribulations of love where the protagonist laments over his lost love who is now with someone else.
Musical Style Ray Charles's piano playing in "It Should've Been Me" showcases his jazz influences, featuring swing rhythms and bluesy melodies.
Vocal Performance Charles's robust baritone voice truly shines in this track, particularly during the song's climactic moments; his vocal performance is often praised for its emotional depth and musical sophistication.
Legacy The song continues to be recognized as one of Ray Charles's classic hits, demonstrating his versatility as a musician and his pioneering influence in the world of R&B and soul music.
Cover Versions "It Should've Been Me" has been covered by a number of other artists, including Gladys Knight & the Pips and George Benson; the song's universal themes of love and loss continue to resonate with artists and audiences alike.

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"It Should've Been Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1649463/Ray+Charles/It+Should%27ve+Been+Me>.

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