Today, Ray Charles’ Tangerine Records releases Ray Charles Live In Stockholm 1972. The original recordings of this performance were recently discovered and today, these recordings are available in digital format and vinyl for the very first time. This release comes just weeks ahead of Tangerine Records’ 50th Anniversary reissue of Charles’ historic A Message from the People, which was recorded the same year; the reissue is out on June 17.
“One night in Stockholm half a century ago, Ray Charles delivered a blood-pumping, soul-shaking concert that was almost lost to history.” – The Associated Press
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The recordings of Ray Charles Live In Stockholm 1972 capture Charles at the height of his powers in one of his best live recordings ever. Recorded on a magical night in Stockholm, this set faithfully captures great moments and arrangements often heard in Ray’s live performances but rarely, if ever, on record. The evening begins with a rip-roaring rendition of Ray’s classic concert opener, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” followed by an electrifying “What’d I Say.” Ray then delivers two more rarities, a gut-wrenching bluesy rendition of “I’ve Had My Fun” followed by “Games People Play,” a number that features each of Ray’s legendary 1972 Raelettes. The set continues with Ray’s unique live arrangements of “Don’t Change On Me” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” before closing with the hard-swinging band feature “Marie” and an extended 8-minute version of “I’ve Got A Woman” that sees Ray riffing on his 1954 hit, building to a finale that brings the house down. These live recordings were only recently released exclusively on True Genius, a 6-CD limited edition box set released by Tangerine Records in 2021, and are now widely available for the very first time. More info on True Genius is available here.
On June 17, Tangerine Records will release a special remastered 50th Anniversary edition of Charles’ landmark recording A Message From The People. Originally released on April 4, 1972, A Message from The People remains one of Charles’ most celebrated albums, as well as the most socially conscious work of his six-decade career. The record directly confronts societal ills of poverty and injustice while offering a universal message of brotherhood and hope for peace; topics that are as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. The album includes classic tracks like “They’ll Be No Peace Without All Men As One,” “Abraham, Martin and John” and the Gospel infused “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Heaven Help Us All.” The album also includes Ray’s recording of “Hey Mister,” which was played during a Congressional joint hearing in 1972 to speak on behalf of common citizens to a government that was widely seen as ignoring their needs. Perhaps the most impactful track on the album is Ray’s classic rendition of “America the Beautiful,” which quickly became our second national anthem and has inspired countless generations since its release 50 years ago.
According to PopMatters: “If one human voice could dignify the plight of the impoverished, celebrate the brief respite of the working class and honor the patriotism of a people, in that post-turbulent era of the early ‘70’s – that instrument would belong to the singer-pianist Ray Charles.”
