Rita Graham
Rita Graham is a renowned jazz, blues, and soul singer whose career has spanned several decades. She was born on October 16, 1949, near Charleston, Virginia, and later raised in Detroit, Michigan, where her father operated a barber shop and beauty parlor. This diverse background contributed to her rich musical upbringing and exposure to various genres of music.
Graham's significant break in her career came in 1969 when she was discovered by the legendary musician Ray Charles, who produced an album of lush standards for her, marking a pivotal moment in her journey as a jazz vocalist. Over the years, she has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, showcasing her powerful vocal abilities and captivating stage presence.
Her contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Graham is also honored as a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a significant figure in the realm of jazz and soul music.
Graham continues to inspire audiences with her dynamic performances and remains a respected artist in the music industry, demonstrating the enduring impact of her work and artistry.
Vibrations
Written-By – B. Reichmer, R. Graham
2:55
A2 Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
Written-By – A. Jobim, G. Lees
2:15
A3 (There Is) No Greater Love
Written-By – I. Jones, M. Symes
4:03
A4 Meditation
Written-By – A. Jobim, Mendonca, Gimbel
3:26
A5 P.S. I Love You
Written-By – G. Jenkins, J. Mercer
3:20
B1 Charade
Written-By – H. Mancini, J. Mercer
2:37
B2 The Genie
Written-By – G. Berry
2:55
B3 My Cup Runneth Over
Written-By – C. Stone, H. Wallis
2:14
B4 You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Written-By – C. Porter
2:59
B5 If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)
Written-By – H. Creamer, J. Johnson
3:07
Label: Tangerine Records – TRCS-1507
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Soul-Jazz
Rita Graham's 1969 debut album, Vibrations, is a notable jazz-soul record produced by Ray Charles on his Tangerine Records label. It is historic for being the only major project Charles personally produced for a female artist on that label.
The album is characterized by "lush standards" and jazz-pop arrangements. Critics and fans describe it as a smooth, elegant collection where Graham's vocals shine on both jazz-inflected tracks and orchestral ballads. While the album is primarily jazz-vocal, the track "My Cup Runneth Over With Love" became a significant hit in the UK Northern Soul scene.
The album features Graham's interpretations of classics and contemporary hits of the era: "My Cup Runneth Over": Often cited as the standout track and a soul staple; "Meditation": A bossa nova-inspired track; "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars": Another jazz standard highlighting her vocal range; "Charade": A cinematic cover that fits the album's sophisticated atmosphere.
Ray Charles's production is frequently praised for its high fidelity and orchestral depth, though some listeners find it more "pop-leaning" than his grittier soul work. Original vinyl pressings (Tangerine TRC-1507) are considered rare. As of late 2025, median prices for original copies hover around $17, with high-quality sealed versions reaching over $40.
The album maintains a solid reputation among collectors, with a 4.2 / 5 average rating on Discogs and a 3.3 / 5 on Rate Your Music.