The Raelettes, originally called The Cookies, were an American girl group that provided backing vocals for Ray Charles, a pioneer of soul music. Their style was characterized by their unique blend of gospel, R&B, and pop, complementing Charles' distinctive sound and contributing significantly to the development of soul music. Known for their harmonious vocals and synchronized choreography, The Raelettes included notable members like Margie Hendrix and Merry Clayton. Their contributions can be heard on influential works such as "Hit the Road Jack" and "I Got a Woman".