Ray Charles Still Popular After Death

[undergroundrailroad]

CLEVELAND - Less than six months after his death, Ray Charles may be more popular than ever with a movie about his life and a posthumously released album.


Now he is being recognized with an exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. "The Genius of Ray Charles" exhibit opened Nov. 19, and a reception to celebrate the opening is planned for Wednesday.


Charles memorabilia is on loan from his Los Angeles studio/headquarters and includes electronic keyboards, a saxophone, sunglasses, and a collection of awards. The exhibit, expected to remain through Labor Day, also includes video recordings of his performances.


"Ray was very gracious for anything done for him," said Joe Adams, Charles' friend and business manager of 47 years. "He fussed about it, but he loved it. This would have been meaningful to him, definitely. He was among the first people inducted into the Rock Hall, and he was very honored by that."

[FrenchieCat]

1. Saw the movie...

Bought the CD....and I am playing it as I type. Always loved Ray Charles. He was the first American singer I ever heard...while growing up in France. My brother and I especially loved his "Tell me what I Say"....cause there were not so many words (couldn't speak English) but losta heyhey....hey, hey, hey, hey...tell me what I say!

[undergroundrailroad]

5. Ayyy, Ohhhh, Ayyyyyy, Ohhhhh, Ay, Oh, Ay, Ohy, Ay, Oh tell me what I say!

Remember the record (back then it was records, vinyl) very well and we did some kind of mean dancing to it.

Brother Ray, I love you!

Mina

BTW, welcome FrenchieCat to the group!


UGRR (call me Mina) :hi:

[msgadget]

2. I'll admit it,

I didn't appreciate Mr. Charles until I saw the movie. The script was weak but the acting made up for that and I finally 'got' his music. He was a brave man - blind, black, putting secular lyrics to gospel music...whoo! I'm a fan - big time - now.

[fortyfeetunder]

3. When I was a kid (single-digit years)

My favorite Ray Charles tune was "Let's Go Get Stoned"...but I was smart enough not to sing the lyrics out loud.

I bought his "Genius Loves Company" album and it's emotionally charged and wonderful arrangements. What an incredible man.

[goclark]

4. Ray was Awesome and Jamie deserves the Oscar

I've seen it 2 times and loved it!

[undergroundrailroad]

6. I've seen it and I love it! Hey Jamie go pick up your Oscar!

[goclark]

7. I can't imagine a performance better than Jamie's!

I was so proud of all the magnificent actors in the film but he was OUTSTANDING!