Ray Charles
Here is a music video clip of Ray Charles’ great hit, “What I’d Say”
Ray Charles is known for his talent in various fields of music. He is a pioneer in the development of soul music and honored as the Father of Soul. Ray’s prolific music styles create his own music taste and characteristics. His extraordinary music achievement wins great popularity. His legendary life also inspires a lot of people.
Ray Charles was born in Georgia, the United States. He was completely blind when he was only seven years old. Due to his courage and his mother’s wise instruction, he learned how to deal with things and gradually overcame his losing sight. However, there were two tragedies falling upon him: his lost of his brother and mother. His brother was drowned while Ray played in the backyard with him, and it was a trauma for Ray Charles in his life. Ray’s mother died when he was fifteen, and it devastatingly stroke him. After talking with a considerate old lady, Ray braced his heart and walked out of depression. To Ray Charles, the two great tragedies eventually turned out to be the positive elements for him.
Ray made a lot of efforts in learning music. When He studied music, Ray read the music with his fingers. He was fond of listening and playing jazz and blues. Several years passed by, he started to work with bands. At that time, Ray was fascinated by Nat King Cole’s music. Ray was affected by Nat King Cole and turned to imitate his singing styles. One morning when he woke up, he sank in a deep thought, “where is Ray Charles? ” After that, he decided to sing like himself. He played dance halls in many cities; later, he started to make records, cooperated with Atlantic, and then with ABC. He made several hits on music charts. He experimented music and combined different music genre. For example, he mixed gospel music with blues (the two music styles had greatly influenced him since he was little) to create what is called, “soul music.” He sang with the Raelettes, the backup singers, creating call and response in his songs. Expanding 58 years, Ray Charles released more than 250 albums, from blues, jazz, R&B, funk, country to soul music. Ray grasped the attention and the passion from the multitude, and he inspired lots of musicians and had splendid sparks between them.
For Ray Charles, music can not be divided from his life. Just as what He said, “Music to me is just like breathing.” Music is so naturally flowing in his blood, and it blooms in his talent and perseverance, releasing its wonderful scents to the mass. Though Ray Charles passed away, his great impact on soul music and other genre is well remembered. His genius shines through decades, and his great music leaves deeply in people’s heart.
Written by Emma
Works Cited
Ray Charles. 2004. Ray Charles Enterprises, Inc. 24 May 2008.
<http://www.raycharles.com/>.
Ray. Dir. Taylor Hackford. Perf. Jamie Foxx. Kerry Washington. 2004. DVD. Universal Studios.
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