Ray Charles - What'd I Say (part 1&2) - 1959
Ray Charles - What'd I Say (part 1&2) - 1959
Input
What'd I Say (part 1&2) - 1959 by Ray Charles
Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" is a landmark song in the history of American music. Released in 1959, it not only showcases Charles' incredible talent and versatility but also marks a significant moment in the evolution of rhythm and blues into soul music.
Background
Ray Charles is often referred to as "The Genius" for his remarkable contributions to various music genres, including R&B, soul, and jazz. "What'd I Say" was somewhat of an improvisational masterpiece, created spontaneously during a live performance when Charles and his orchestra ran out of material.
Musical Structure and Style
This song is renowned for its electric piano intro and outro, a rhythmic pattern that was innovative at the time. The song is divided into two parts, which was a unique structure for a single in the late 1950s. The use of call-and-response between Charles and his backing vocalists, The Raelettes, adds to its dynamic feel.
Cultural Impact
"What'd I Say" played a crucial role in the integration of rhythm and blues into mainstream music. It also broke racial barriers in the music industry, being embraced by audiences of diverse backgrounds. The song's influence can be seen in various genres and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
For more details, check out the Ray Charles' biography and Rhythm and Blues' history on Wikipedia.
External links to OERs and other learning materials: MOOCit
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
In which year was "What'd I Say" released? (1959) (!1962) (!1955) (!1960)
How is "What'd I Say" primarily recognized in the evolution of music? (As a significant moment in the evolution of rhythm and blues into soul music) (!As the first rock and roll song) (!As a jazz standard) (!As a blues anthem)
What unique feature does "What'd I Say" have? (It is divided into two parts) (!It was recorded in one take) (!It has no vocals) (!It is an instrumental only)
What instrument is featured prominently in "What'd I Say"? (Electric piano) (!Guitar) (!Saxophone) (!Drums)
What is the style of vocal interaction used in "What'd I Say"? (Call-and-response) (!Solo performance) (!Chorus singing) (!Overlapping duets)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Ray Charles' nickname? (The Genius) (!The King of Soul) (!The Blues Master) (!The Jazz Virtuoso)
In addition to R&B and soul, what other genre is Ray Charles known for? (Jazz) (!Rock) (!Classical) (!Country)
What was unique about Ray Charles' approach to music? (His ability to blend different genres) (!His exclusive focus on blues) (!His classical training) (!His use of electronic instruments)
Which group performed backing vocals for Ray Charles on "What'd I Say"? (The Raelettes) (!The Supremes) (!The Vandellas) (!The Pips)
How did Ray Charles contribute to breaking racial barriers in the music industry? (By being embraced by audiences of diverse backgrounds) (!By exclusively performing at integrated venues) (!By founding a record label for African American artists) (!By campaigning for civil rights through his music)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the predominant theme of "What'd I Say"? (Love and desire) (!Social justice) (!Personal hardship) (!Celebration and joy)
Which type of vocal technique does Ray Charles predominantly use in "What'd I Say"? (Shouting and moaning) (!Whispering) (!Operatic style) (!Rapping)
The lyrics of "What'd I Say" are known for their: (Simplicity and repetitiveness) (!Complex story-telling) (!Political commentary) (!Detailed narration)
How do the lyrics of "What'd I Say" interact with the music? (They are intertwined with the rhythmic pattern) (!They are independent of the melody) (!They are spoken, not sung) (!They contrast the upbeat tempo)
The call-and-response in "What'd I Say" primarily occurs between: (Ray Charles and The Raelettes) (!The piano and drums) (!Different sections of the orchestra) (!Male and female voices)
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic. Insert suitable texts using exactly the following format:
| Ray Charles | The Genius |
| 1959 | Year "What'd I Say" was released |
| Electric piano | Featured instrument in "What'd I Say" |
| Call-and-response | Vocal style in "What'd I Say" |
| The Raelettes | Backing vocalists in "What'd I Say" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research the origins of soul music: Explore how "What'd I Say" contributed to the emergence of soul music.
- Listen and Reflect: Listen to "What'd I Say" and describe your emotional response to the music.
- Draw Ray Charles: Create a drawing or digital artwork of Ray Charles performing.
Standard
- Compare Music Genres: Compare the elements of jazz, R&B, and soul in "What'd I Say".
- Interview Musicians: Speak with local musicians about the influence of Ray Charles on their work.
- Analyze the Lyrics: Write an analysis of the lyrics of "What'd I Say" and their cultural significance.
Difficult
- Create a Cover Version: Record your own cover of "What'd I Say", focusing on its unique musical elements.
- Explore Racial Barriers in Music: Research how songs like "What'd I Say" helped break racial barriers in the music industry.
- Organize a Ray Charles Tribute Event: Plan and organize a music event celebrating the legacy of Ray Charles.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Evolution of Music Genres: How did songs like "What'd I Say" influence the development of new music genres?
- Impact of Improvisation: How does improvisation in music, as seen in "What'd I Say", affect its reception and legacy?
- Cultural Significance: In what ways did "What'd I Say" contribute to cultural shifts in the late 1950s and early 1960s?
- Musical Techniques: Discuss the musical techniques used in "What'd I Say" that were innovative for its time.
- Legacy of Ray Charles: How has Ray Charles' work, especially "What'd I Say", influenced contemporary music?
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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