“Hit the Road Jack” is a rhythm and blues and soul song recorded by the legendary American musician Ray Charles. The song was written by Percy Mayfield and was released in 1961 as a single. It was also included on Ray Charles’ album “Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul.”
The song is known for its infectious and upbeat sound, featuring Charles’ distinctive and soulful vocals. “Hit the Road Jack” is a call-and-response song with a playful and engaging melody. The lyrics revolve around a contentious exchange between a man and a woman, with the repeated line, “Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.”
“Hit the Road Jack” was a major commercial success and became one of Ray Charles’ signature hits. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and is celebrated as a classic of the rhythm and blues and soul genres.
The song is celebrated for its lively and energetic performance by Ray Charles and its enduring popularity. “Hit the Road Jack” remains a favorite among fans of his music and is frequently included in retrospectives of his career and in the broader context of soul music.
