The Power and Passion of Ray Charles: What ‘d I Say
Introduction
Few musicians in history have possessed the unique, genre-defining sound of Ray Charles. His singular abilities as both a singer and pianist captured the vibrancy of post-World War II America, fusing together gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B in a way that defied categorization. But perhaps no single song better exemplifies the magic of Ray Charles’ legendary career than “What’d I Say,” a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans. This article will take a closer look at the meaning and significance behind this iconic track, examining the ways in which it showcases Charles’ unparalleled musical talent and cultural impact.
The Origins of “What’d I Say”
The history of “What’d I Say” is as legendary as the song itself. According to Charles’ own account, he improvised the entire track during a concert in 1959, feeling inspired by the energy of the audience. The song’s famous opening riff – a cascading series of notes on the keyboard accompanied by a call-and-response vocal pattern – emerged spontaneously from Charles’ imagination, and he urged the band to follow along. As he later recounted in his autobiography, “I just felt like doing it – I had no idea what I was really gonna do, but I felt like doing something different. And they started to come in right behind me with that riff, and it was beautiful. It shook the damn rafters, man.”
Indeed, the energy of “What’d I Say” is palpable from the very first note, with Charles’ vocals simmering with sexual tension as he urges his lover to “shake that thing” and “let it roll”. The song’s unabashed sensuality caused controversy upon its initial release, with some radio stations refusing to play it due to its unapologetic celebration of eroticism. But the song’s popularity only continued to grow, eventually becoming one of Charles’ most recognizable and beloved hits.
The Symbolism of “What’d I Say”
Beyond its musical prowess, “What’d I Say” is also a deeply symbolic work, showcasing Charles’ ability to layer meaning and emotion into every aspect of his artistry. The song can be read as a celebration of physical desire, certainly, but it also carries undertones of rebellion – asserting the right of Black Americans of his era to express themselves fully and freely, despite deeply ingrained societal taboos. In the 1950s and 60s, America was deeply divided along racial lines, with Black musicians often relegated to the margins of the industry. But Charles’ sheer talent and exuberance allowed him to push past these barriers, creating music that brought people of all backgrounds together.
As journalist David Ritz writes in his biography of Charles, “What’d I Say” was “a breakthrough recording, one that fused and transformed, with exceptional brilliance, gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B into a new harmonic language. But it was also more than that – it was, in essence, a declaration of independence, an assertion that Black music could and would be the popular music of the land.” The symbolism of the song’s success – a Black artist at the forefront of American culture, pushing into uncharted musical territory – cannot be understated, and continues to resonate today.
The Legacy of “What’d I Say”
As iconic as “What’d I Say” was in its own time, its influence has only grown in the ensuing decades. The song has been widely covered by other artists, from Elvis Presley to The Beatles to Stevie Wonder, each putting their unique spin on Charles’ groundbreaking composition. Its opening riff, in particular, has become one of the most recognizable and widely imitated in all of music history, seeping into the collective consciousness in a way that few other musical motifs have managed.
Moreover, the song’s message of passion and liberation continues to inspire artists across genres and generations. As jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock reflects in an interview, “Ray Charles was a trailblazer. He took risks and created new sounds nobody had ever heard before…he wasn’t just a musician, he was a cultural force, using his talent to break down barriers and challenge prejudices.” By embodying the very spirit of what it means to be an artist – bold, innovative, and fearless – Charles left an indelible mark on the music world, creating a legacy that still resonates today.
Conclusion
There is perhaps no song more emblematic of Ray Charles’ brilliance than “What’d I Say,” a track that combines raw passion, technical mastery, and cultural significance in equal measures. From its unforgettable opening riff to its themes of liberation and empowerment, the song encapsulates everything that made Charles such an impactful artist – and continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians. As Charles himself once said, “I don’t think about music as something you hear. I think about it as something you feel.” And in “What’d I Say,” that feeling is palpable, propulsive, and utterly unforgettable.
