Written by Bobby Sharp and Recorded by Ray Charles in 1961. A drug addict Sharp sold the song to Teddy Powell for $50. Powell also demanded half the song writing credit. Sharp later successfully fought for the rights to the song.
The song was a hit for Charles and reached number 9 on the pop single charts and the R&B single charts, it featured his Raelettes and long time saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman.
The song was covered in 1963 by Trini Lopez on his Trini Lopez at PJ's album and by The Rivingstons on their Doin' The Bird LP.
Joe Cocker covered it on his 1987 album of the same name. The Bobs recorded a version in 1994 and George Williams Shades album featured his cover of this classic song. Hugh Laurie also recorded a version in 2012 and it appears as a bonus track on his Didn't It Rain album.