Music Video

Ray Charles Recording Company Receipt

February 2016

Smithsonian Artifact Featured in this Video

Description
Receipt for payment signed by Ray Charles, singer early in his career when he was only 20 years old. The receipt states that Ray Charles Robinson received from Swing Time Record Company payment of $82.50 for a recording session at Universal Studios on November 24, 1950. Charles joined Swing Time Records and under his own name "Ray Charles" to avoid being confused with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson) recorded two more R&B hits, "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand" (#5) in 1951 and "Kissa Me Baby" (#8) in 1952. The following year, Swing Time folded and Ahmet Ertegün signed him to Atlantic Records.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Created by
Swing Time Records, American, 1947 - 1953
Received by
Ray Charles, American, 1930 - 2004
Date
November 24, 1950
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)
Type
receipts