An Opry Salute to Ray Charles premieres Thursday night (Sept. 5) on PBS stations nationwide. Hosted by Opry member Darius Rucker, the tribute features unique collaborations and special performances of Charles’ music performed by Boyz II Men, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Leela James, Jessie Key, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young.
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The special, taped last October at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, celebrates Charles’ influence on country music, including his seminal 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.
The album’s first hit, “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” became one of Charles’ signature songs.
Below, Young talks about Charles’ influence (even on his fashion choices) and performs a snippet of the classic track.