Earlier, Charles had shocked the label by recording a slick, country-influenced ballad called "I'm Movin' On." Atlantic hated it, but Ray insisted. When it became a hit, he realized he needed total creative control. In November 1959, Ray Charles signed a historic deal with ABC-Paramount. Why historic? Because he demanded—and received—ownership of his master recordings. This was unheard of for a Black artist in the 1950s.
That song was