Hard Times

#59 / April 15 Podcast

Sixty years ago, Ray Charles broke hearts at Atlantic Records by moving to ABC after being with that remarkable label almost since its founding in 1947.

To commemorate Brother Ray’s near-decade with the label, Atlantic later released some scattered material that he recorded during that prolific period, showcasing piano blues, jazz and southern R&B. The result — the September 1961 album called The Genius Sings The Blues — was a welcome compilation of some of his earlier singles, plus some previously unreleased stuff, like this perfect Ray Charles tune.

“Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I)” has the distinction of being the A-side of the only single released to promote that album. It also is the standout number in the entire collection. The composition has gone on to be covered by everybody from David Clayton-Thomas to Eric Clapton.

Our Take on the Tune

Last night we just barely had a quorum — about half the band had other obligations — but as we always say around here, whenever two or three gather in its name, it is The Flood.

And as this will testify, Danny and Randy brought more than enough juice to power up the solos! Click here to hear our take on the Ray Charles classic, “Hard Times.”