Charles combined blues, gospel, R&B, rock, country music and jazz to create groundbreaking hits such as “Unchain My Heart,” “I’ve Got A Woman” and “What I’d Say.” His impressive multi award winning 50-year career left an indelible mark on contemporary music all over the world.
On the first Jan 2019, Norah Jones performed a bluesy rendition of one of her “favorite” Ray Charles songs, “What Would I Do Without You,” as a tribute to the late R&B legend in this exclusive clip from Austin City Limits‘ Hall of Fame New Year’s Special.
Gary Clark Jr. also staged a rare guitar-less performance as the rocker delivered a smoky rendition of “Night Time Is the Right Time” during ACL‘s Charles tribute.
This year's special episode honored Charles, Marcia Ball and Los Lobos. Jones performed the soul singer's "What Would I Do Without You," describing it as "one of my favorite Ray Charles songs."
The episode, recorded on Oct. 25 at Austin's Moody Theater,has been aired the last year eve (Dec. 31) on PBS at 11 p.m. EST. In addition to Jones, it will feature performances from Gary Clark Jr. and Los Lobos with Boz Scaggs and Robert Randolph.
The second half of the 44th season of Austin City Limits premiered recently with an episode featuring Khalid and Mac DeMarco. 2019 will see episodes headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Arctic Monkeys, Willie Nelson and Buddy Guy
