Gary Clark Jr. paid tribute to the late Ray Charles in a major way. The bluesman joined vocal forces with Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland and Shelley King to belt out a rendition of “Night Time is the Right Time” for Austin City Limits‘ upcoming Hall of Fame New Year’s Special.
The electrifying performance featured the veterans in great form. Clark, without his famed guitar, had wonderful stage presence as he shuffled around the stage to tribute Charles. He even prompted a call-and-response battle between the three ladies, who headed the background harmonies. It was all friendly competition, though, as they threw vocal jabs at each other with smiles of merriment.
Charles propelled “Night Time is the Right Time” to the top of the charts back in 1959. His version peaked at number five on the Billboard R&B chart.
America will get a crash course on Charles’ legacy when the ACL Hall of Fame New Year’s Special airs on December 31 at 10 p.m CT/ 11 p.m. ET on PBS. The taping will also honor Marcia Ball and Los Lobos.
Watch the soulful set below.
