I had the pleasure of meeting Ray in 1975 after a concert in Jacksonville Florida. I am also legally blind and a fellow alumni of FSDB. I GRADUATED IN 1976.
I watched the movie 🎥, read his autobiography and did my research. Ray Charles had a beautiful life, he wasn't perfect of course nobody is. He said he lived under his means and that he did. He was a serious business man and didn't die broke. I must say Jamie Foxx really embodied him when he did the movie.
It’s always a little heartbreaking when you find out an actor/musician, isn’t as “wholesome” as you thought, affairs, drug problem, doesn’t work well with others, treats co-star’s & complete strangers disrespectfully, etc.
I always accepted his magnificent talent as a gift ____ his personal life was something I never experienced ___ from many accounts Ray had demons __ as an admirer of his music one must separate the music and the person because it was not our business
Not at all !! We as an audience can only participate in Ray's music. Ray is neither my pastor nor my father. I love Ray for his musical contributions to this country and specifically to me as a great fan. His personal life was his and had nothing to do with me.
Boy it's confusing how do you not eat for three days but yet do heroin you would think food would take precedent over drugs but then again heroin is a powerful thing
Usually after a celeb dies, the kids act like buzzards over their fortune...and they fight over if, even if they were NOT close them; for example Prince, Sherman Hemsley, and etc.....
He did indeed have a troubled life. I as a music fan can only participate in the music he gave us. I would not have wanted Ray to be my father. The music however is another issue. Every type of music he touched he influenced by adding his being which we call soul. Be it jazz rock and roll blues country and western lush ballads with strings ___ no matter ___ Ray's way was compelling. Till this day we can hear his influence and the music is better for. My goodness Chris Stapleton a present day country music star has lots of Ray in his renditions. One thing for sure and you can bank on it ------ THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER.
I wish Ray was still alive today at the age of 90, but if he was, he'd have to record his songs and concerts for his fans from home because of The Covid19 Pandemic.😔
Wish they could had treated him back as kid with the dreadful eye ailment......but being a genius and black, he made up for for being SO talented and had to put up with a lot of crap like other greats.....he'll NEVER be forgotten......
He finally cleaned up his act and made a huge impact on his financial support for important organizations close to his heart. Then the State-of Georgia made his Georgia on my Mind the state song and was invited back to this state.
In the Jim Crow era I see why so many musicians were addicted to drugs/alcohol. They we’re treated less than humans it became an outlet. Billie Holiday also went the same route.
I guess one thing about being blind is that you don't get too picky who you go to sleep with but I guess that's how we ended up with five kids from five different women
What'd I Say. It was initially banned by pop and R&B stations after its release in 1959 (banned on pop for sexual overtones and on R&B for mixing gospel music with sexual lyrics) but they reversed it after it became popular. It was quite a revolutionary song. Paved the way for soul music and sixties rock.
What I Say was just blues changes with arpeggios instead of chords. IIRC, I Got a Woman was the converted gospel song that got him into trouble. It was originally Must Be Jesus and had been recorded by The Southern Tones.
You cant be serious. His genius was what he did with what was already there. Nobody ever said he invented music. No matter how great a musician is he takes shapes and molds the existing and presto the great one owns it. My goodness Ray took Alexander's Rag Time Band and left us a fun piece with a new twist. To try to reduce Ray's work to be nothing more than some copycat stuff is completely totally absurd.
@@ihbarddx ok I understand ,,___ but why post a statement that depicts Ray as nothing more than a copy cat who did nothing special . THATS WHAT YOUR STATEMENT INDICATES ______ its wrong
Way to go Ray, you saw what a life where a father isnt around can do, yet you then go have a bunch of kids with various women.......I dont want to hear how his "life without his father showed him how bad things could be...."
Dude said at the age of 73 drugs drinking and womanizing Finally caught up to him lol 😆. Dude was 73 he must have been a really fast Runners that's it took this long to catch up to him 😆
Hey but you got too think about it if he never did go blind and he never lost his brother who know where he would be today he would have probably been a normal villager/citizen with his brother
I think the only children that he really loved and considered his own were his kids from Della Bea, according to him she was the only woman he would ever truly love.
I agree with you! I have to say this also: A lot of people have to have something to blame or demonize, because they've never heard of occams razor, or can't face unpleasant realities, and too many of them control the government areas that spread misinformation and dumb laws. I know this from experience, because I was hooked on every kind of opiate for ten years thru doctors and pain clinic to treat the aftermath of cancer and crushed spinal nerves. I happened to be born without an addictive personality, so when I got sick enough of the stupidity of that whole system, i quit, and it was extremely painful and difficult, but physically painful, NOT emotionally or mentally. I never wanted to go back on them, not because I'm so moral or good or ridiculous crap like that, but because I just don't have that problem of addictiveness...my husband, though, gets addicted to EVERYTHING, He cannot help it, its wired that way into his brain. He works in sound, which requires extreme hours and concentrated effort of attention, so all his co workers are like him. Musicians are a perfect example. Read Keith Richard's autobiography for a fantastic "trip" of his life before, during, and after heroin. Uncle Keith gives you a lesson in how to kick it for good, very helpful! I put this out there in to urge people on whatever, not to feel guilty or weak or "bad". You CAN ditch an addiction, but it may very hard for some, harder than it is for others. Just never give up, keep trying and no blame! Wanting to stop means you are ahead already, it takes a lot, but you can be free. It is just different for everyone.
Yea i was addicted to heroin for a while but i been sober off it for a few years now im on the clinic but its really hard and ur lucky u dont have an addictive personality i do and it sucks so bad i been thru so much bullshit kauze of it so i feel u on that its good to have someone on the same subject as me.. Im still struggling to this day i lost alotta friends to the shit its so sad.
@@timmy841212 Nothing is ever simple. It's hard. Everything is hard. That's why everyone needs to decide for themselves what they want to do. Up to them, no one else. I just don't like it when people are made to feel ashamed or "bad" about something like addiction...I think encouragement and hope are always good, and if someone doesn't want that, that's ok too.
So sad that he went blind from a disease that could have been treated. Such a talented man.
I agree.
I’m not sure if back then they had the treatment to treat it back then but I’m not sure.
@@hartzaire I think it must have been expensive if they had treatment for glaucoma or cataract back then.
If he was treated for it he might've taken a different path in life and not been as popular as he was.
He’s not blind actually it’s all a lie lol
The power and persistence of a mom, always has to be appreciated.
Just showed what her mouth can do lol
IL always love his music
This man is an American musical icon !!
Facts 💯.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ray in 1975 after a concert in Jacksonville Florida. I am also legally blind and a fellow alumni of FSDB. I GRADUATED IN 1976.
Nice
What was he like Donald?
@@queenladybug1702 very friendly. He actually sent tickets to the school so we all could attend.
@@donaldellis8952 I envy you but in a good way. Ray Charles is someone I would've loved to have met. ❤
If u blind how u type this? How do u use TH-cam?
Very well documented. He was truly a genius and his music will live within our hearts forever. Thank you Ray Charles Robinson for sharing your craft!
Magnificent Genius...Thank you Ray Charles, God Bless your Soul!
He did what he loved despite his hardships. Respect
True
the lady thats playing Ray Charles mom was SO BEAUTIFUL AHHH!
Ray Charles lived a full life at just 73.
Absolutely 💯
You suppose to at 73
@@danaysiaboykin2938 Some people wait until 40-50 to live in some cases though.
That how long James Brown lived. He died at age 73 in 2006
May he rest in peace. That man was a legend!
Ray Charles music got me through some tough times in my life and I'll forever be grateful for it. R.I.P
I watched the movie 🎥, read his autobiography and did my research. Ray Charles had a beautiful life, he wasn't perfect of course nobody is. He said he lived under his means and that he did. He was a serious business man and didn't die broke. I must say Jamie Foxx really embodied him when he did the movie.
My Mom said I was perfect....just spoiled.
Hello daine how are you today hope you are doing well today 🌹 🌹 💐
@@robertoadams1312 I'm doing well on this lazy Sunday 😴 😌
Happy sunday to you how are you enjoying your Sunday out there 🌹🌹
I think whoever said perfection is ignorance was a good depiction what perfection is
I still love Ray, so sad but amazing to know how much he went through!
It’s always a little heartbreaking when you find out an actor/musician, isn’t as “wholesome” as you thought, affairs, drug problem, doesn’t work well with others, treats co-star’s & complete strangers disrespectfully, etc.
I always accepted his magnificent talent as a gift ____ his personal life was something I never experienced ___ from many accounts Ray had demons __ as an admirer of his music one must separate the music and the person because it was not our business
@@murph3001 well said. He was no different than anyone else. Famous or not.
Not at all !! We as an audience can only participate in Ray's music. Ray is neither my pastor nor my father. I love Ray for his musical contributions to this country and specifically to me as a great fan. His personal life was his and had nothing to do with me.
@@queenladybug1702 thank you ___
Never heard Ray Charles was disrespectful to anyone . Where does your information come from.?
Honorable Mention: "The Mess Around" Is Used For "Planes,Trains And Automobiles"
"We Are The World" Became An Anthem For 1985
Great movie
His mother is such a strong women so young but so strong
I always liked Ray Charles even his country songs much respect for what hardships he endured throughout his life RIP Ray Charles
The Genius, Ray Charles 👏🏾👏🏾
what an amazing woman hes mum was no wonder he turned out to be just as amazing
Blind pianist , greatest story ever told
Ray was a talented individual. His music will live on forever.......
R.I.P RAY CHARLES.......
Jamie Fox was excellent..... he got me hooked ❤️❤️...RIP Charles
Great work ❤️
Much love and respect
I hope his mom was really like how she depicted in his movie a loving and caring mother but didn’t want him to be dependent
HES THE GOAT THO 💕💕
Absolutely 💯 💯 💯
Despite his shortcomings Ray was a beautiful soul
Rays music for me was huge, being a rock fan I didn't listen much, but no question his music and talent is legendary.
Ray Charles was so cool in The Nanny
I admire ray Charles I grew up in a home of this and recently watching the movie it’s is just brilliant wow
One of my heros much love to our remarkable brother is all I say 🕯️✌️
Boy it's confusing how do you not eat for three days but yet do heroin you would think food would take precedent over drugs but then again heroin is a powerful thing
Yes
I wonder why he did that contract thing with his kids.
Usually after a celeb dies, the kids act like buzzards over their fortune...and they fight over if, even if they were NOT close them; for example Prince, Sherman Hemsley, and etc.....
@@martintanksley3561 yeah you're
Right.
Hello Annie how are you today hope you are doing well today
@@martintanksley3561 prince didn’t have children
We love you we respect you and we miss you Rest in power my friend
Hit the road Jack!
I was thinking of that song when I think of Ray Charles
A absolute legend
I cryed a lot 😓
He did indeed have a troubled life. I as a music fan can only participate in the music he gave us. I would not have wanted Ray to be my father. The music however is another issue. Every type of music he touched he influenced by adding his being which we call soul. Be it jazz rock and roll blues country and western lush ballads with strings ___ no matter ___ Ray's way was compelling. Till this day we can hear his influence and the music is better for. My goodness Chris Stapleton a present day country music star has lots of Ray in his renditions. One thing for sure and you can bank on it ------ THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER.
I wish Ray was still alive today at the age of 90, but if he was, he'd have to record his songs and concerts for his fans from home because of The Covid19 Pandemic.😔
I agree.
Thanks for responding.
@@jonkeiser6092 You're welcome, thanks for being nice to me. I wish you all the best and to stay safe.
@@NellieKAdaba Welcome, and this is for you.🌹
@@jonkeiser6092 ❤️👍🏿
Truly another great man
Wish they could had treated him back as kid with the dreadful eye ailment......but being a genius and black, he made up for for being SO talented and had to put up with a lot of crap like other greats.....he'll NEVER be forgotten......
The ending is.. "chef's kiss"
Amazing singer
Amazing man
R.I.P. ray ❤❤❤❤
He finally cleaned up his act and made a huge impact on his financial support for important organizations close to his heart. Then the State-of Georgia made his Georgia on my Mind the state song and was invited back to this state.
SALUTE to RAY/JAMIE FOR HARD LEGACY OF GREST MUSIC
Greatest there ever was.
John I think you are right !!
Even though he's was blind but had catchy music. 🇺🇸
GREAT!
Thanks!
In the Jim Crow era I see why so many musicians were addicted to drugs/alcohol. They we’re treated less than humans it became an outlet. Billie Holiday also went the same route.
cheating is not cool, but he did it repeatedly
LOVED HIM
Have this movie on DVD and seen Ray at Music Hall before he died
his mother >>>>>> strong beautiful woman
These titles are something else. Nothing tragic about his story. In spite of EVERYTHING he left a great legacy behind.
Thank you!!! I read some of the comments and you would've thought he was a serial killer.
1:33- Ray driving that bus mind-f*cked me. 😂
Women back then were so beautifal and raw , i dont blame ray
I got to see him live in 1989.
How was the concert Pete?
@@queenladybug1702 It was good. I enjoyed it.
Full life. R.I.P
Ray Charles would been 90 Something Year's Old if he was still alive, At Least he had a wonderful great Full Life at Least ☺️
Wow! I never knew! Interesting
He kicked ass in Blues Brothers
INXS-You got that(Please) 1993 f.Ray Charles 🔝
I guess one thing about being blind is that you don't get too picky who you go to sleep with but I guess that's how we ended up with five kids from five different women
@@CaptainCraigKWMRZ yeah cause before that it was just always light....
12 children
I guess if your analyze your statement it comes off stupid making no sense ____ I guess
There's probably a parallel universe where Ray Charles is shredding the guitar instead of the piano
Can you all do a video on Teddy Pendergrass next?
Gid bless
Awesome trump
Yea that sad 😭😭
It's "BYE-OH PICK" Not "BYE-AW PICK". Also, it's "What'd I Say" not "What Did I Say". What Did I Say sounds like the Pat Boone version
Amen, thanks for the comment ,so many don't understand "southern".
Exactly!
Thank u! Couldn’t stand the the mispronunciation of biopic
Most of these "tragic" peoples live sure were fun. They all sure go laid a lot.
I’m sorry to say it but I’m young an just realized he’s gone crazy how the world don’t stop
I wonder what kind of world it would be if Ray was alive to this day? I feel like he would’ve said inspirational stuff about.....
Ray
Sad.
What song are they talkin about that got banned? Wanna listen to it
What'd I Say. It was initially banned by pop and R&B stations after its release in 1959 (banned on pop for sexual overtones and on R&B for mixing gospel music with sexual lyrics) but they reversed it after it became popular. It was quite a revolutionary song. Paved the way for soul music and sixties rock.
Thanks for that...
@@spazzklown10 No prob
Remember that you are going blind. But, you ain't stupid...
pity about the greedy kids
fun fact ray charles is my great great great great uncle no bull shit
I would have told my dad no on the 500k I would have told him that I'll make sure his legacy lives on and nobody would misuse it or abuse it
Ouch.
4:50 aahhh
My mans didn’t know how to WRAP IT UP
I do tho so wassup w it
What I Say was just blues changes with arpeggios instead of chords. IIRC, I Got a Woman was the converted gospel song that got him into trouble. It was originally Must Be Jesus and had been recorded by The Southern Tones.
You cant be serious. His genius was what he did with what was already there. Nobody ever said he invented music. No matter how great a musician is he takes shapes and molds the existing and presto the great one owns it. My goodness Ray took Alexander's Rag Time Band and left us a fun piece with a new twist. To try to reduce Ray's work to be nothing more than some copycat stuff is completely totally absurd.
@@murph3001 Ease up, friend. I loved the man's music. I wept when he died. No joke.
@@ihbarddx ok I understand ,,___ but why post a statement that depicts Ray as nothing more than a copy cat who did nothing special . THATS WHAT YOUR STATEMENT INDICATES ______ its wrong
Wow!!! How old was his mama when ahe passed
I was Raised by Rays half Brother. His name was Frank Horace Williams. He Died in Hephzibah, Ga a few years ok...
Way to go Ray, you saw what a life where a father isnt around can do, yet you then go have a bunch of kids with various women.......I dont want to hear how his "life without his father showed him how bad things could be...."
His kids should’ve gotten more money since he was an absentee father
I agree he was wrong and heartless having 75 million when he died didn't care nothing about them to much cheap A.
Dude said at the age of 73 drugs drinking and womanizing Finally caught up to him lol 😆.
Dude was 73 he must have been a really fast Runners that's it took this long to catch up to him 😆
Sad he went blind But he didn't die so that's nice
I Lost Respect For Him ...
He Should Have Kept His Personal Feelings Of Others To Himself...
Ray Charles played in apartheid South Africa during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. How do you describe such a person?
How Did He...If He was....Never Mind
Hey but you got too think about it if he never did go blind and he never lost his brother who know where he would be today he would have probably been a normal villager/citizen with his brother
Why didn’t he want his children to get any of his estate?
I think the only children that he really loved and considered his own were his kids from Della Bea, according to him she was the only woman he would ever truly love.
@@CocoKickz94 Still blood is blood no matter what
They say weed is a gateway drug i see otherwise here where i live its legal i live in mass its decriminalized
I agree with you! I have to say this also: A lot of people have to have something to blame or demonize, because they've never heard of occams razor, or can't face unpleasant realities, and too many of them control the government areas that spread misinformation and dumb laws. I know this from experience, because I was hooked on every kind of opiate for ten years thru doctors and pain clinic to treat the aftermath of cancer and crushed spinal nerves. I happened to be born without an addictive personality, so when I got sick enough of the stupidity of that whole system, i quit, and it was extremely painful and difficult, but physically painful, NOT emotionally or mentally. I never wanted to go back on them, not because I'm so moral or good or ridiculous crap like that, but because I just don't have that problem of addictiveness...my husband, though, gets addicted to EVERYTHING, He cannot help it, its wired that way into his brain. He works in sound, which requires extreme hours and concentrated effort of attention, so all his co workers are like him. Musicians are a perfect example. Read Keith Richard's autobiography for a fantastic "trip" of his life before, during, and after heroin. Uncle Keith gives you a lesson in how to kick it for good, very helpful! I put this out there in to urge people on whatever, not to feel guilty or weak or "bad". You CAN ditch an addiction, but it may very hard for some, harder than it is for others. Just never give up, keep trying and no blame! Wanting to stop means you are ahead already, it takes a lot, but you can be free. It is just different for everyone.
Yea i was addicted to heroin for a while but i been sober off it for a few years now im on the clinic but its really hard and ur lucky u dont have an addictive personality i do and it sucks so bad i been thru so much bullshit kauze of it so i feel u on that its good to have someone on the same subject as me.. Im still struggling to this day i lost alotta friends to the shit its so sad.
Ray still used weed after he got off heroin so it isn't that simple.
@@timmy841212
Nothing is ever simple. It's hard.
Everything is hard. That's why everyone needs to decide for themselves what they want to do. Up to them, no one else. I just don't like it when people are made to feel ashamed or "bad" about something like addiction...I think encouragement and hope are always good, and if someone doesn't want that, that's ok too.
@@christineparis5607 Oh no I agree.
76 thumbs up. 2 thumbs down. Who would give this a thumbs down?!
Somebody who knows nothing of good music.
I’m confused on the family drama. Where the children seeking ill intentions behind his passing orrr?????
Jamie Foxx was Ray Charles hands down
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😞😞😞😞😞
Dam soma y kids ray had that got to be a-lot of child support
10:27 online it says he died June 5th and you said he died June 10th and it said he died 74 (no judgement)