Deluxe 180g Vinyl 2LP Reissue Presenting Both Landmark Volumes!

Ray Charles's Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2 are major landmarks in American culture and among the greatest albums of all time. Bringing America together during the '60s civil rights movement, Charles demonstrated that great songs with signature performances resonate with all people and work in all genres. "I Can't Stop Loving You" was a standard in country, soul and R&B, as he proved. This deluxe edition 2LP-set presents both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 together on high-fidelity 180g vinyl.

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Vol. 1 became an instant classic when it was first released in 1962. The album spawned four chart-topping singles: "Born to Lose," "Careless Love," "You Don't Know Me," and "I Can't Stop Loving You," the latter (and the album itself) being RIAA-certified Gold in only one month. The success led to the recording of Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Vol. 2. Focusing more on balladry, one side featured performances by the Ray Charles Big Band with the Raelettes, and the other with a string section and the Jack Halloran Singers. Like its predecessor, it was released to both critical and commercial acclaim. In 1999, Vol. 1 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical significance," as was the lead single, "I Can't Stop Loving You," in 2001.

"Ray Charles was one of the most important artists in the history of American popular music," says Concord Records President John Burk, "and his Modern Sounds albums were some of his most impactful works. In addition to massive commercial success, these incredible recordings had a huge social and cultural impact, breaking down long established genre and racial barriers." "We are excited about this eventful release, an opportunity for longtime fans to enjoy this music and to introduce new generations," adds Valerie Ervin, President of the Ray Charles Foundation.