When Ray Charles set out to record an album of country songs, his record label thought he was crazy. Charles proved them all wrong when “Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music” became a hit. It gave Charles the crossover success he needed, eventually making him a household name.

Kathleen Edwards shot to the forefront of the alternative country scene with her 2003 debut release. Her blunt lyrics, character sketch approach to songwriting, and sexy prairie drawl drew raves from critics and comparisons to Lucinda Williams.

After Interscope rejected her album as not commercial enough Aimee Mann bought back the rights to her songs and in 2000 released it via the Internet. Its success led her to release it on her on SuperEgo label and helped inspire the film “Magnolia.”

The Police’s fifth studio album is revered as their best. Its first single, “Every Breath You Take”, earned two Grammys and pushed the album to the number-one position on the Billboard charts.

The 9th release from Alison Krauss and Union Station peaked in Billboards top 50 albums in the fall of 2001 and won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, while the single “The Lucky One” nabbed a Grammy for Best Country Duo or Group Performance.

Steve Earle’s 1986 debut was hailed by critics as an instant classic. Earle’s writing style incorporated elements of Townes Van Zandt’s mournful ballads and Springsteen’s depictions of small town life.

The Smith’s 3rd studio album featured songs by guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Morrissey. It was released in June of 1986 and helped to establish the band as one of the best British rock bands of the era. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Big Mouth Strikes Again” highlight the album that is widely regarded to be The Smiths’best.

After going solo, Paul Simon went on to create a strong career for himself. The album created a lot of controversy due to the fact that Simon recorded six tracks in South Africa with native musicians in the era of apartheid. “Graceland” went on to win two Grammy Awards, one for Album of the Year and the title track won Record of the Year.

Detroit soul singer Bettye Lavette spent 4 decade in the music industry and suffered many disappointments and missed opportunities. This 2005 release featured 10 covers of songs written by women including Lucinda Williams and Sinead O’Conor and helped revive her career.

Taj Mahal released his second album in the fall of 1968. Building on his multi-cultural approach to the blues, these songs feature elements of Delta blues but also include an expanding range of influences including rock and country.