A Portrait Of Ray (1968)

1. Never Say Naw
2. The Sun Died
3. Am I Blue
4. Yesterdays
5. When I Stop Dreamin'
6. I Won't Leave
7. A Sweet Young Thing Like You
8. The Bright Lights And You Girl
9. Understanding
10. Eleanor Rigby

Lots of ballads on this album, some in falsetto.

Recorded at RPM International in Los Angeles.

With The Ray Charles Orchestra, studio musicians, a string section and The Raelettes (Gwen Berry, Alex Brown, Merry Clayton, Clydie King).

Understanding (#9) was recorded on April 11, 1967 (see this for personnel); Never Say Naw (#1), The Sun Died (#2) Am I Blue (#3), Yesterdays (#4), When I Stop Dreamin' (#5) and Eleanor Rigby (#10) - all arranged by Sid Feller - were recorded in February 1968. Carol Kaye played bass on #9 and #10 (and possibly also on #3, #4). The Raelettes backed Ray on #10. The arrangements on these tunes were penned by Sid Feller.
Oliver Nelson and Rene Hall also contributed charts to the album.

ABC/Tangerine 625, March 1968.

Album (pickup clip):