photo courtesy RAY CHARLES FOUNDATION

Nearly three decades ago, music icons Johnny Cash and Ray Charles recorded a duet of “Why Me” that was intended for release on a CBS Records album. Ultimately, the duet was dropped from the project and later forgotten.

The song was penned by Kris Krisofferson (who had his own No. 1 hit with the tune in 1973) and produced by Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Billy Sherrill.

Now, "Why Me" will be released by Concord Records on an upcoming Ray Charles disc, Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters. The album also includes the song “Little Bitty Tear,” written by legendary songwriter Hank Cochran.

For more on Ray and his impact on country music, pick up the Sept. 27 issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands Sept. 20.