It is best known in the version released as a single in 1956 by Ray Charles on the Atlantic record label.
"Drown in My Own Tears" was first recorded in 1951 by Lula Reed, on the King label (King 4527) as part of a split-single 78rpm; blues pianist Sonny Thompson was featured on the A-side with the instrumental track, "Clang, Clang, Clang".
[1] Ray Charles' recording featured his lead vocal and piano, with instrumentation by session musicians.
[2] It was one of his most important singles during his Atlantic period, where he dominated the R&B singles chart, and influenced him to recruit a singing group he later called the Raelettes.
[5] The song was also performed by Simply Red in 1991 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, featuring on the live album of the event.