His first recording was one of Clark's songs, "If you gotta' make a fool of somebody," which was a huge success in the U.S. on both the pop and R&B charts. It reached the attention of Paul McCartney, who, having heard the song in Brian Epstein's record shop, included it in the Beatles' Hamburg set and claimed that the R&B meets waltz sound arranged by Hutch Davie influenced the song "Love me do." Freddie and the Dreamers would also cover this track after hearing a stirring performance by The Beatles at The Cavern Club , taking it into the top 5 in the UK singles chart.
The Beatles connection intensified as George Harrison, who had purchased the album in 1963, would go onto revive "I've got my mind set on you" almost 25 years later taking the single to number 1.
Ray recorded this eponymous album in 1962 and passed away soon afterwards leaving behind this soulful collection of R&B classics.
Tracklist
Side A
1. The Old Man And The Mule
Written-By - Rudy Clark 2:11
2. Lazy Bones
Written-By - Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer 2:16
3. I've Got My Mind Set On You - Pt. I Pt. II
Written-By - Rudy Clark 3:28
4. St. James Infirmary
Arranged By - Hutch Davie 2:36
5. Come Rain Or Come Shine
Written-By - Harold Arlen-Johnny Mercer* 1:56
6. If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody
Written-By - Rudy Clark 1:58
Side B
1. Without A Song
Written-By - Vincent Youman* 2:28
2. Teach Me Tonight
Written-By - Gene De Paul*, Sammy Cahn 2:16
3. A Miracle
Written-By - Clint Ballard Jr. 1:59
4. It's Been A Drag
Written-By - Rudy Clark 2:05
5. Welcome To The Floor
Written-By - Bob Davis*, Rudy Clark 2:15
6. Itty Bitty Pieces
Written-By - Rudy Clark 2:22