Who Did It Better? - Stevie Wonder vs. Ray Charles (1973/1975)

[@Riogi]

Stevie's version has more of a funk-style to it while Ray's version has a bluesy tonet. Both men are legends of music. I choose both versions of this amazing song.

[@ronaldmartinsr4433]

I CONCUR, YOU ARE CORRECT, I AM A FORMER RETIRED RADIO R&B DJ WVOL NASHVILLE, TN.

[@bomber831]

man you were asked to choose

[@Iyona96]

Stevie & Ray…This is two different eras damn near but let’s not compare this is two great ARTIST that just so happen to be blind ❤️

[@CamsHideOut]

I always gravitate to the blues what can I say I’m a soul man.

[@Polygroove1]

This shows you how Ray makes a song his own….don’t forget that Stevie was “Little Stevie” he did a WHOLE album of Ray Charles covers as the Heir Apparent….this makes total sense….imagine your Idol covers your song….that’s a dream come true….

[@denise3885]

Genius vs. Genius.

[@defconfour]

I rock with Stevie heavy, but wow I never heard the Ray version before tonight! What a gift both of these gentlemen gave us.

[@tula_tracey]

Both equally did it great in their own storytelling style ! Both legends.

[@Prettybirdpink]

💜👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💜

[@TheRealNemesisX]

Can't choose, thankfully I don't have to, it's all good and it's all my people. Bless.

[@emmanuelseequeh6054]

Love them both but Ray Charles is a King of music

[@eramorgan7375]

Mr. Charles did an awesome job. Very bluesy. I can't choose between the two. They're both excellent

[@fantistic1]

It is obvious that it is a tie. Two geniuses in their field did this song justice in their own right!!!!!!!!!

[@UncommonWoman1611]

BOTH ARE EQUAL IN THEIR OWN FUNK!!! 🎶🎶🎶 🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️💝💝💝🕊🕊🕊

[@hornet718]

It is obvious that it is a tie. Two geniuses in their field did this song justice in their own right. All we can do is enjoy both with a smile, snap of the fingers and head bobbing to the music. I was floored when they both performed this song together live. It was FANTASTIC!!!

[@I2AmUS]

Both are equally legends in their talent and mass appeal. The delivery/style of the song by each artist is very different (R&B vs Bluesy grit) I vote for both!

[@k.stewart3626]

Wow Never heard Mr Ray Charles Both are Great. Stevie is the genre of the time in musicality. Ray’s is sho nuff blues both hit different ❤️

[@jamiAkos]

I like both BUT Stevie killed it. I mean felt every bit of it and the storytelling of going to a big city from a small town and getting caught up... Chefs kiss 💋

[@frankiedenisestevenson7076]

Ray Charles 💯💯💯💯💯

[@tawniamalone6792]

I prefer Ray Charles personally but they are both legends and both are appealing.

[@judyjohnson2357]

No compareson they both were asome

[@chillmode3626]

Both. Love both versions.

[@mgmassey174]

Never got to see Stevie live but in 1978, two horn players in Ray Charesl band came to place of my employment Waited on them and my tip was a free ticket at Tipitinas. What a show. 💯🌹❤️ Arggggg Ray Charles show.. My mind is like swiss cheese 😊😉 Forgive me I inhaled in the seventies 😉😊💯

[@boxcomix1]

Funny that I was re-watching an episode of HBO's "Treme" and there was a performance at Tipitinas! Great memory you shared, thanks. New Orleans is a very special place!

[@mgmassey174]

@@boxcomix1 even on this unnatural substitute for real life, irony and coincidence still illuminates our road. Miss community as I felt so welcome in New Orleans. It was a great experience. Best six months running away from my mother's house. Always wanted to go back to reciprocate for their kindness. Katrina just broke my heart (again). Must get Treme.. You just reminded me that it was on my list of stuff worth seeing! Thank you Joe. I'm Mo💯🌹😊

[@michelleanthony1591]

Both are very great at what they do, …. But Steve Wonder singing and the beat is awesome.

[@clicheguevara5282]

Absolutely Stevie. No question. As far as covers go though, Ray did a great job! Growing up, my dad always told me that if I'm going to cover a song, I should make it my own instead of just copying it accurately note for note. Ray definitely did that here.

[@albertpellicano3358]

1:22 1:25

[@deedeejackson8244]

I love them both. They are different.

[@moniquekyle8354]

Don't put two legends together! They both are musical geniuses with different styles of music. Ray grew up in the era of blues where Stevie grew up with pop/funk music. I like and respect both of these gentlemen!

[@madameshuggadrosenbloom1111]

I truly enjoyed both. Neither one is better than the other. Each has it own groove that relays the same message. Thanks for sharing these legendary versions.

[@anonymousprofessor8866]

Stevie's version made my eyes watery when I first heard it and it has harmonizing breaks that are beyond incredible if you understand music composition. A true masterpiece of musical art.

[@phillyphil4297]

Whoever mixed the ray Charles song is a fkn legend perfect eqs perfect reverb perfect compression panning with all the instruments are perfect

[@crosswordpuzzle2952]

They are both the perfection of their own lives. No one better than the other. Just two people who made their own way. Both perfectionist and both were perfect. You can't have history without either.

[@bamthompkins8268]

Back then they werent suing either just having fun with they music. It was the love of music not the penny

[@ya-silly-goose623]

Damn straight. It's ridiculous nowadays how greedy people are

[@linkslinks7965]

Both are wonderful

[@adibsabir]

Mr.Charles put that blues in there!

[@TodaysSpecialMinis]

OH WOW!! I have never heard the Ray Charles version - wow..... before I even listened I predicted I would love Stevie's version, but man - I absolutely LOVE Ray's version the best. Stevie's version is like that of a youthful boy in the city - it's vibrant, funky, hopeful, and full of the kind of angst that is typical of a young person who believes they're making a statement and railing against the machine. Ray's version actually sounds like the city he's singing about - it's dark, it's gritty, it's manly, it's seasoned - this is the sound of a man who's been through some thangs - he's not railing against the machine, he's calling the machine out, indicting it, standing man-to-man with it and daring it to change him before he changes it! Yes, ray won this one - hands down.

[@modestochilingar5887]

There’s no comparison they’re both perfect

[@leeleecorbett8421]

BOTH MEN HAVE REALLY GOOD TALENT GOD BLESS THE BLIND! LOVE LEE LEE!

[@hollywooodswanginproductio7014]

BOTH

[@georgetellin3533]

Ray won this I love his version so much wow 🤩

[@leeleecorbett8421]

STEVIE SOUNDS BETTER ! HE IS THE BEST 👌 👍 😍 🥰 ☺️ 💖 👌! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! ALL HIS IS A BLESSING TO HEAR !

[@denisefields7233]

I've always enjoyed the song and I've always enjoyed it by Stevie so when it comes to Stevie or Ray Charles I'm sorry , definitely Stevie Wonder thank you..❤️🎶.

[@memonk11]

Wow this is tough. Love them both.

[@poziloc]

I never knew that Ray did a version of this song, but Stevie still killed it.

[@ramsesstafford4640]

Of course the original is the better one but Brother Ray is a hero of Stevie's and also one of my all-time favorites. I'm a HUGE fan of blind musicians because of their intuition to make great music. Rahsaan Roland Kirk is another great blind genius musician. 👌🏽

[@eatplaydecorate]

What can I say?? I've listened to this by Stevie many times but, I have to say that Ray's voice made the lyrics clearer. It definitely depends on the mood you're in whether it's for the music or the lyrics. I'm playing this for my aunt later she'll get a kick out of this one. Thanks for the upload Mike

[@MickyTubbs1985]

ABSOLUTELY!👏😐

[@missadug]

I like both versions! It's a tie for me. They have their own styles but I liked them equally.

[@rodericksears638]

Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles are both legends. Saginaw, Michigan is proud of Stevie Wonder.

[@thomashammond16]

Never heard Ray's version but it 's good. Wouldn't expect any less.

[@teemadarif8243]

my elders would clobber me but have to say Stevie. that's all I know 💯

[@Dina_Darling]

The man who wrote it. Stevie Wonder.

[@TRUSTME183]

Stevie Wonder 💯%

[@MickyTubbs1985]

Both men in their own unique way ADDRESS " The BLACK DIASPORA" and ARE ESPECIALLY, EXTREMELY, EXCEEDINGLY ,EXCEPTIONALLY PROFOUND ! However, " judgement-wise;" as to which is " better; to me it's " DRAW." My personal preference" is for Stevie Wonder's version as it DEFINITELY and DEEPLY makes CONNECTIONS TO MY MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, CULTURAL HISTORY,AND POLITICAL AGENDAS AND INNERMOST FEELINGS, THOUGHTS, AND BELIEFS!😐

[@altongaitherii3144]

A truly awesome song. 2 magnificent artists. Love them both. You can definitely hear the difference in available technology in both songs. That is, in my opinion, the only difference. With what was available both did an extremely magnificent performance. I wouldn't change a thing!

[@alg1335]

First time i hear RC… Steve Wonder hands down!!!

[@Karma-iz4ir]

Ray. Though I never knew he has a version.

[@Orpilorp]

Hi! That was a treat! I didn't know Ray Charles sang the song. I think I slightly prefer his, but there is nothing wrong with Stevie's version. They are both great to listen to.

[@theenemyspublic681]

Stevie All Day!! Ray Charles did a very good version though. I can listen to both versions at any time.

[@Roestradd]

Ain't no way I'm dropping one for the other... not in a month of Sundays. I've grown accustomed to Stevie's version over the years and thank you Reelblack, I'm only just hearing Ray's one now and I love it so much I can't vote against it. Both for me 🙌🏾

[@dxlbest]

Yes

[@nicklong36]

It's hard to tell because they both have different styles of singing. They both are at Legends in my eyes. I can't figure out which one is the best.

[@katrinaroundtree4170]

Ray!💜

[@TheRobertEllismusic]

Stevie definitely has a sophisticated mix and an extremely...danceable appeal......Mr. Charles' version has a close to the bone and deep passion...and it's palpable with its powerful vocal authority and clarity.....and also filled with a rawness and realness...that projects his profoundly human experience and also affects the listener with those emotions..... intertwining deep sorrow and deep jo.....y all in a transcendental mix....of ecstatic music. Both brilliant.

[@skepchica]

There's a live version where they performed this together. It's HEAVEN. Ray's phrasing is genuis, and Stevie's voice is unmatched. This is my favorite Stevie Wonder song.

[@tiefia3799]

Stevie

[@nickcupkovic5721]

Met them both and love them both God bless forever

[@nickcupkovic5721]

How many blind men knew they were black?

[@lynettewilson7396]

Both are talented amazing singers

[@ducciocastelli7560]

Ray no doubt man..

[@rodneyjohnson201]

I love it I love the way Ray Charles put it down his voice the music who's better. That's a question that's an answer I don't. But I love the way and my first time hearing Ray Charles singing that song it was beautiful. If I can I give this 2 thumbs up? Keep up the good work.

[@asteverino8569]

These recordings are precious, first of all. I had forgotten about the "extended " version of Stevies version. Teach me, man. Ray is the bae too. At the time, I listened but didn't hear. Thanks

[@altongunn1053]

I think I am more drawn to Stevie because I am more familiar with his funkie/soulful classic rendition. However, I love Ray's version. It is more raw and blueish. I love the way he pronounces each word with passion and breaks off into a testimony. Stevie 99.9% and Ray 99.7% Both exemplify high excellence! Two examples of rare greatness!

[@voyer44]

Stevie all day!!!

[@afrosoul_soul]

Hey Fam Mike returns back tomorrow Nov4

[@voyer44]

@@afrosoul_soul hello. Miss you

[@thatgirlPAIGE94]

A huge fan of both 🙌🏾

[@garyjohnson691]

I enjoy both versions but I'm riding with Stevie on this one.

[@faramoans]

the very first album i bought was Stupendous Stevie Wonder! my dad heard it playing, as soon as he realized it was a black man he broke it into pieces! those were the times. i couldn’t wait to leave home and listen to my beloved soul music!

[@TheTiger2311]

I can’t close they both are good!😀

[@catmccabe400]

Absolutely 💯 awesome Both forever and always ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@geneayala5885]

Stevie ... The Genius Is A Legend

[@1963luv]

I love both of them 😊❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidgranderson5435]

Absolutely Stevie!!!

[@elizabethr8174]

Both are amazing artists, but I definitely have to go with Stevie-a total WONDER 🎶

[@giovannitroya3445]

Ray sing with his soul

[@antonioangelocento9855]

Stevie is the greatest of all time !!!!

[@redwonderstgenius1]

STEVIE STEVIE !!!!!

[@bertinchamago7425]

new jack city vs tupac resurection that is where i know this hit from

[@jeffreythompson1196]

Who Did It Better? That's like asking to compare two diamonds that are exactly the same!!

[@nothingelse9602]

Mr. Wonder's version is nothing short than a masterpiece. Stevie,I bow down to you on this one.

[@andyharmon9329]

This is a truly amazing video ! Both are genius, but I have to say that Ray's hit me harder. The song itself is genius.

[@richardwright829]

No contest Stevie Wonder keep it 💯

[@anitamooreland-simms3606]

Why even compare them to put one over the other? That's sad. They both were phenomenal.

[@user-ki1vd3ti8j]

Stevie!

[@cindeed4422]

Both are good. Ray Charles did a wonderful job as well. Never heard it before. But the song belongs to Stevie.

[@favorllmaccessories2205]

Both are Legends

[@normabracey9655]

They both told the story.

[@rljones312]

This is simply a matter of whether or not you want your chicken grilled or fried. Both are delicious. My favorite entertainer is Stevie but I am a HUGE Ray Charles fan, so this means I'll never be disappointed.

[@aboubacaramine8689]

Wow, Stevie Wonder vs Ray Charles... Who could have _seen_ this coming

[@sanaajohnson3725]

Horrible pun 😂

[@xzcape]

Holy cramp. Love them both

[@purplemacgotti2423]

Both are talented in their own way

[@kevinking4590]

Wow, never knew that Ray covered this song, with that said, Stevie's version depicts life in a small city, while Ray's version gives an inner city vibe. Great job by both no need to decide whose version is better

[@tweston315]

Sreviw had us jamming in the club and RY took us to church 🎉❤❤

[@afrosoul_soul]

Ray version is good 👍🏾 But I prefer Stevie

[@davidbryden7904]

Tough call! They both have their own style and merits. Ima have to get back to ya on that! 🤷‍♂️✌️💚🌲🌏☮️

[@judithgrace9850]

I love both of them. No problems in Querétaro Move out of the USA. Relocate. The people. $75k direct deposits. God is in control.