We Portland musicians called Sweet Baby James, "Portland's Ray Charles," but he was no imitator. In fact, James had been "funking up the standards" before he even heard Ray. Still, James had been moved by Ray's rendition of "Georgia," and it became his own signature song.

Personnel: Sweet Baby James, vocals; Renato Caranto, sax; Peter Dammann, guitar; Anthony Jones, drums; Janice Scroggins, piano; and myself, Hammond B-3.