This was written by Ray’s good friend Percy Mayfield, an R&B singer who was badly disfigured in a car accident soon after he started performing. In 1952, at the height of his popularity, Mayfield was severely injured when he was returning from a performance in Las Vegas to Los Angeles as the front-seat passenger in a chauffeur-driven car. The vehicle hit the back of an unseen stationary truck, and Mayfield was hit by debris. Though pronounced dead at the scene, he eventually recovered but spent two years convalescing. The accident left him with a facial disfigurement that eventually ended his career as a performer but did not halt his prolific songwriting. Mayfield cut back his touring and made his mark as a prolific songwriter, with Ray Charles recording at least 15 of his songs.

It became famous after it was recorded by the singer-songwriter-pianist Ray Charles with The Raelettes vocalist Margie Hendrix. They were lovers for a time, but the song is not about their relationship.

“Hit the Road Jack” won a Grammy award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording. The song is ranked number 387 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

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