In the 1940s

In 1948

Ray Charles signed with Swing Time Records.

Ray Charles’ first band, The McSon Trio, began hosting a weekly show on KRSC-TV in Seattle. It’s believed to be the city’s first sponsored telecast featuring a musical act.

In 1949

Ray Charles recorded his first single, “Confession Blues,” as a member of the Maxin Trio. It would peak at #2 on the Billboard R&B chart.