About the song
“I Got a Woman” by Ray Charles is a cornerstone in the history of modern music, representing a pivotal moment in the development of rhythm and blues. Released in 1954, the song blends gospel fervor with the raw energy of R&B, a combination that would later become the hallmark of Ray Charles’ revolutionary sound. Co-written by Charles and his longtime collaborator Renald Richard, “I Got a Woman” is often credited as one of the first records to merge secular lyrics with the passionate delivery typical of gospel music, paving the way for what would become known as soul music.
The song was recorded at the Atlanta radio station WGST’s studio, and its release marked the beginning of Ray Charles’ ascent to stardom. “I Got a Woman” was released as a single by Atlantic Records and quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard R&B chart, where it held the number one position for several weeks. The track’s success not only cemented Ray Charles’ reputation as a groundbreaking artist but also signaled a shift in popular music, influencing countless artists who followed.
The lyrics reflect a deep sense of devotion, with Charles singing about a woman who provides him with love and support, a theme that resonates with the blend of personal and spiritual yearning found in gospel music. The song’s driving rhythm, characterized by Charles’ powerful piano playing and his dynamic vocal delivery, captures the infectious energy that would come to define his career. “I Got a Woman” remains a timeless classic, a testament to Ray Charles’ innovative spirit and his ability to bridge the sacred and the secular in a way that forever changed the landscape of American music.