Roots of R&B: Charles Brown & Ray Charles

This episode of Fresh Air Weekend features two archive interviews focusing on R&B, rockabilly, and early rock and roll. The first interview is with R&B singer and pianist Charles Brown, who discusses his influences, including Nat King Cole, and his hit song "Driftin' Blues." He also shares stories about influencing other musicians like Ray Charles and Fats Domino. The second interview is with Ray Charles, where he talks about his early career, his transition from imitating Nat Cole and Charles Brown to finding his own sound, and his successful venture into country music with albums like "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music." He also discusses his musical influences, growing up in the South, and his unique approach to arranging music.