Before the legendary Ray Charles passed away last year, he laid out plans to use a set of recordings produced in 1998 to create an album of superstar duets with some of his favorite contemporary artists. It was among his last requests to his management that the project be completed and released. Now the Genius must be smiling up above as this stunning collection, finding him in tremendously strong voice on a lineup of memorable songs, is released on Rhino. Produced in conjunction with Ray Charles Enterprises and Ray"s fellow music legends Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone, Genius & Friends follows on the heels of the phenomenally popular Genius Loves Company, and it shines throughout as Charles and an all-star roster of vocal partners serenade in sublime harmony.