Elton John has praised Ray Charles’s 1959 hit ‘What’d I Say’ as one of the greatest songs ever made, highlighting the lasting influence of Charles on his own musical development. The article presents the track as a landmark of rhythm and blues that helped shape the sound and energy of later rock and pop performers.

Written and recorded by Charles, ‘What’d I Say’ emerged from an improvised ending during a live performance before becoming a major hit. Its driving piano, call-and-response vocals and blend of gospel, blues and R&B helped establish a template for soul music, while Charles became one of John’s most admired musical figures.