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>I was privileged to see the eminent Ray Charles in >1996 at the Mill City Music Festival in Minneapolis >Minnesota. > >He was the headliner for the evening show. > >His musicians were personnel from the local Minnesota >Orchestra. > >Disappointedly he did not swing and do any of his real >signature souful material... > >It was a pretty mellow set. > >At any rate his craftsmanship and artistry shone >through... his stunning piano virtuosity... as well >that rough, rasby, coarse growl of vocality. > >He was a warm lovely man who radiated that warmth to >his audience... who appreciated him so much. > >I appreciated his now signature embrace directed to >the audience just before he leaves the stage after a >performance. > >I think anything anyone can say about Ray Charles has >perhaps, already been said... > >He was an extraordinary musician and singer... elegant >in his way, soulful in his down home Gospel/R&B "call >and response".... versatile in his genius... >interpretive and creating within genres from big Swing >Jazz, to Country, to Gospel to R&B... > >Ray Charles death at this time presents a striking >contrast in relation to the death of former president >Ronald Reagan.... While the legacy of Reagan is >arguable and debatable, > >Ray Charles, a native son of this country who sang of >the greatness of America, legacy is inarguable. > >Charles musicianship and contribution to American >Popular music unquestionably draws "everyone," those >of diverse backgrounds age, color...a spectrum of an >America for everyone, all people. > >His life attests to that fact. He is known as well, as >a philanthropist and called Martin Luther King Jr. a >friend. > >His music bound people of disparate backgrounds >together while celebrating the greatness of this >country. > >The disparity in terms of his influence is also seen >in those in music whom Charles inspired. >Charles, An American original who influenced >generations of musicians Phil Driscoll, to the Beatles >to Elvis..... to Stevie Wonder...to B. J. Thomas, to >Joe Cocker... and nearly endless array, including such >gifted musican, producer, arranger Quincy Jones. > >Ray Charles will leave a permanent sterling gold mark >on the music landscape of this country and the world. > >" I just want to make my mark, leave some good music >behind" Charles said to the Washington Post in 1993. > >All God Speed Brother Ray, Thank you for the music , >thank you for the song. > >Kafi Cosette' Sondai >Music Notes Magazine >@June 2004 > >Jazz/Blues >Ray Charles

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