Posted on 06/10/2004 12:38:49 PM PDT by HEY4QDEMS
CNN just ran the clip of Ray Charles singing "America" for the President and Nancy at what looked like the second inauguration. It was sob-inducing.
For sure. I lost it when I saw it on IMUS this morning.
Can't say that I knew much of his personal life only that his public persona was one of a gentleman and an excellent singer. I could listen to him anyday compared to the trash that's on today.
Several people have mentioned Ray Charles - America The Beautiful and while this isn't the exact version of him singing it to the Reagans, it's close. This is a mono mp3, for faster download.
The 2000 GOP Convention featured a video of Kate Smith - God Bless America This is a mono audio mp3, 1941 version.
Didn't President Reagan bestow some kind of Honor on Ray Charles while he was prez?? I think I heard that on talk radio last nite.
Maybe they are both at happy hour in a piano bar right now and Ray singing a few songs.
Not meant to be disrespectful of either man, as they are/were both great!!!, but I could actually see where the two of them would really enjoy that.
I saw Ray Charles live in New York in the early 1970s, and it was the most diverse crowd I had ever seen at a concert-- long-haired college kids, middle-aged white people, middle-aged and older black people... his music reached so many. RIP.
Learned about his death last night while at Fenway Park. They did a really nice tribute to him, and played "America" while we watched a montage of his performances on the jumbotron.
i heard thaT Ray played for Reagan at the white house in 1984. I have been trying to find a picture of them together, but with no luck. if anyone finds such a pic, could you let me know? thanks.
Ronald Reagan & Ray Charles, two American giants and patriots. They made the USA a better place for us all, one with political leadership and the other as a "one-of-a-kind" American music innovator. May they both rest in peace! To both you guys: "you da men!"!!!!!
See post #70 on this thread for a pic of President Reagan and Ray Charles together.
Thanks to all who contributed to this--and the Reagan-- threads. Your insightful comments make dealing with this incredibly sad week much easier.
"His rendition of America The Beautiful kept me sane after 9/11."
I've been singing it all day. Larry Elder's show (Larry was at the burial ceremony) had a great mix of Ray's "America the Beautiful" with classic Reagan quotes ending with his farewell "Not bad. Not bad at all" classic.
I believe Ray played at Reagan's inaugural in '80.
Godbless Ray along with Ronnie.
He did Country-Western, Pop, Rhythm and Blues, and a host of other forms that await proper classification.
The man was a true virtuoso.
Others have said it, I know, but his America the Beautiful is truly a tear-jerker for me.
I've written to Larry and asked that somehow, the powers that be at KABC make the Ray Charles/Reagan tribute available. There are no doubt copywrite considerations, but there must be a way. One of the hosts also mentioned that there was accompanying video. I could only hope it could somehow become available to us, given how awesome the audio is alone.
ping
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.