Ray Charles died.
06-11-2004, 05:18 AM
#12
I love that, too...but I think Crying Time is my favorite song of his.
06-11-2004, 08:05 AM
#14
Community Organizer
Ray Charles has very deep Seattle roots. I've had teachers (and even a bandmate for a casual gig 
) regale me with Ray Charles stories. I loved playing with and learning from those old dudes. 
Quite a man.
If you guys are at all interested in the history of jazz in Seattle - this book is really a great read. Lots of cool stories and tons of great pictures.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...979846?v=glance
) regale me with Ray Charles stories. I loved playing with and learning from those old dudes. Quite a man.
If you guys are at all interested in the history of jazz in Seattle - this book is really a great read. Lots of cool stories and tons of great pictures.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...979846?v=glance
06-11-2004, 04:32 PM
#15
Ah, hadn't heard that. Very sad to hear it. Ray was a powerhouse.
There's a tune he did with Billy Joel called "Baby Grand" that I really love. Of course, Georgia on my mind in indelibly associated with this legend. And who can forget his cameo in "The Blues Brothers?" Makes me laugh just thinking about it!
There's a tune he did with Billy Joel called "Baby Grand" that I really love. Of course, Georgia on my mind in indelibly associated with this legend. And who can forget his cameo in "The Blues Brothers?" Makes me laugh just thinking about it!
06-11-2004, 04:49 PM
#16
Thread Starter
This is one of those rare times where the lyric by itself doesn't make the song. "America the Beautiful" is a magnificent song but the most beautiful interpretation of it that I have ever heard belongs to Ray Charles. If not for the tradition of the "Star Spangled Banner" I think that this song and this interpretation would be the perfect National Anthem.
America the Beautiful
Ray Charles
Oh beautiful, for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, our country loved,
And mercy more than life,
America, America, may God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain devined.
And you know when I was in school,
We used to sing it something like this, listen here:
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties,
Above the fruited plain,
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America,
You know, God done shed his grace on thee,
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in a brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see,
My God he done shed his grace on thee,
And you oughta love him for it,
Cause he, he, he, he, crowned thy good,
He told me he would, with brotherhood,
(From sea to shining sea).
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea).
America the Beautiful
Ray Charles
Oh beautiful, for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, our country loved,
And mercy more than life,
America, America, may God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain devined.
And you know when I was in school,
We used to sing it something like this, listen here:
Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties,
Above the fruited plain,
But now wait a minute, I'm talking about
America, sweet America,
You know, God done shed his grace on thee,
He crowned thy good, yes he did, in a brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed his grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see,
My God he done shed his grace on thee,
And you oughta love him for it,
Cause he, he, he, he, crowned thy good,
He told me he would, with brotherhood,
(From sea to shining sea).
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea).
06-11-2004, 08:50 PM
#18
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06-18-2004, 04:49 AM
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I have a copy of Aretha Franklin's live album she did many years ago -- it was recorded at Fillmore West in SF.
Ray Charles was her guest, and they dueted on "Spirit In The Dark."
Just a great moment. He could sing anything and make it sound good.
And what an inspiration. Blinded by glaucoma at seven; orphaned at 15...and look what he did with his life.
So long, Brother Ray.
Ray Charles was her guest, and they dueted on "Spirit In The Dark."
Just a great moment. He could sing anything and make it sound good.
And what an inspiration. Blinded by glaucoma at seven; orphaned at 15...and look what he did with his life.
So long, Brother Ray.