A Portrait of Ray was released in 1968 by ABC Records, also produced by Joe Adams. The album is a collection of recordings reflecting Ray Charles's characteristic soul and blues style, with big band and orchestral arrangements. It was one of his last works for ABC before changes in his career.
The record includes original songs and covers, highlighting 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight' by Bob Dylan and 'Sweet Memories' by Willie Nelson. The production maintains the warm and sophisticated sound Charles developed at that time, with emphasis on his expressive voice and instrumental accompaniment.
A Portrait of Ray did not achieve the massive success of previous albums, but was well received by specialized critics. It represents a transitional stage in Charles's career, where he continued to explore new compositions without losing his musical essence.