Ray Charles, Betty Carter - Ray Charles and Betty Carter/Dedicated to You

Ray Charles's decision to cut an album of duets with then-rising jazz singer Betty Carter defines the phrase "unerring instinct." Charles responds to Carter's gorgeous voice and compelling melodic changes with some of his softest singing; you might say that this already masterful conduit of emotion got in touch with his feminine side on this 1961 date. The opening and closing cuts of the girls'-names theme album Dedicated to You, another '61 LP that fills out this 78-minute disc, demonstrate Brother Ray's touch for transforming unlikely material into expressions of his own funky essence. His amused big-band celebrations of "Hardhearted Hannah" and "Sweet Georgia Brown" sit alongside sublime portraits of "Stella by Starlight" and "Ruby" on an underappreciated set that's a perfect match for the Charles-Carter sides. --Rickey Wright Amazon.com essential recording

Betty Carter/Ray Charles great together

I always considered Ray Charles a blues singer, and still
do, but his voice and style compliment jazz artist Betty
Walker's on this album to a T. I love their rendition of "Alone
Together" and "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is excellent.
If you want to hear Ray Charles at his softest, get this album. The only criticism I have is there is too much accompaniment by the orchestra and back-up singers. August 30, 2008

Baby It's Cold Outside

I had been looking for "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Ray Charles & Betty Carter together. I got more than I bargained for. I listened to the clips and wow, I had to buy the whole thing. Cost was not a factor. I had to have it and I got it. Great CD! June 26, 2008

love it

I was named after the song "Diane" which was popular during WWII but can only remember it sung by my dad , who is no longer with us. We all know about Ruby and Georgia but Nancy with the laughing face is so good . The portion with Betty Carter is a hoot and fun listening to them together , especially "Baby it's cold outside ". I would not have known about this CD , had not my brother told me he heard it on serius radio and said he liked Ray's version of "Diane". June 20, 2008

A Classic

This is one of the very finest collaborations ever recorded. Carter and Charles are at their peak here and the arrangements support their artistry magnificently. This is an absolute treasure--at least that part of the CD that has both of them singing. The Charles addendum of his own solo songs is mediocre at best. February 13, 2008

it doesn't get any better than this !!

I am a big "Moonlighting" fan and searched for years, after the show went out of production, to find a copy of the recording played over the last three minutes of the "Blue Moon Detective Agency". Nothing pervious or since has captured the pathos of those moments; then end of a love affair and the hope that tomorrow, " We may be together again". Ray and Betty bring those feelings to life better than anyone who has ever recorded that musical prose. I play that song once or twice a week and never get tired of hearing it. December 16, 2007

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