Final answer:
Ray Charles moved to ABC Paramount Records from Atlantic Records for more lucrative contract terms, including higher royalty rates and ownership of his master recordings, enhancing his control and financial gains from his music career.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ray Charles switched from Atlantic Records to ABC Paramount Records for multiple reasons, but the driving factor was the better contract terms offered by ABC Paramount. This move occurred in 1959 after Charles had established himself as a prominent artist with Atlantic, where he was given significant creative control but had less favorable financial arrangements. ABC Paramount offered Charles a more lucrative deal, which included higher royalty rates, eventual ownership of his master recordings, and more considerable artistic freedom. This switch allowed Charles to retain more control over his work and benefit more substantially from his success, ultimately contributing to his enduring legacy in the music industry.