Final answer:
Ray Charles' song "What'd I Say" established him as an artist for all audiences. It combined gospel, jazz, blues, and rock to appeal to a diverse audience. The track was a landmark in Charles' career and showcased the cultural fusion of that musical era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The song that established Ray Charles as an artist for all audiences is "What'd I Say." This track, released in 1959, was not only a hit on the R&B charts but also crossed over to the pop charts, signifying his broad appeal. Ray Charles was known for blending different musical styles, and "What'd I Say" was a perfect example of his ability to combine gospel, jazz, blues, and rock and roll into a sound that resonated with diverse audiences.
Looking at the broader context of music evolution during that era, artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley were also instrumental in breaking musical boundaries. Berry, with his song "Maybellene", reversed the trend of cultural appropriation by incorporating elements from white musicians, while Presley became a figurehead for the amalgamation of regional styles, as seen with his first record featuring "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky."
Through the 1940s and 1950s, genres like Rock and Roll and R&B witnessed significant growth, often powered by the influence of Black artists and their appeal to the youth across racial lines. This was further propelled by technological advancements such as the '45' record, the jukebox, and the solid-body electric guitar. The music of this time celebrated themes of love and freedom, contributing to its widespread popularity among American teens.