Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004

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A musical giant’s highs and lows

Who would have thought that someone known generally for their comedic talents could so convincingly portray one of the greatest singers and songwriters in African American history? Ray Charles Robinson’s story comes to life thanks to a pitch perfect performance by Jamie Foxx. Even though the rags to riches biopic has been done many times before, “Ray” breathes new life into the genre. The art direction is nearly as fascinating as the story itself. This is a look back at how things used to be musically, socially, and artistically. Vintage cars and vintage clothes help to flesh out the world in which Ray Charles made his way from a poor sharecropper’s son to world class performer. Along the way, Ray gets introduced to heroin. He finally kicks the habit years later. Luckily he never overdosed. Someone up there must have liked his music. Charles took R ’n’ B to places it had never been before, namely gospel. There were those who felt that he was defiling God’s music, but in the end Ray’s inner vision prevailed. He became a smash sensation recording a string of hits that have become a part of this country’s musical legacy. His song “Georgia On My Mind” was eventually chosen as our state’s song. The irony is that Ray Charles was banned from playing in the state for years due to his refusal to perform at segregated venues in the early 60’s. It is these kind of details that make his story inspiring and educational. Unfortunately, on the flip side was his womanizing and infidelity. You can’t help but forgive him though. His music, which there is much of in the film, once again demonstrates the unique place from which artistic genius presides. Like most artists, Charles was really married to his art. His family came second and his girlfriends came third. They didn’t like the arrangement. Still, how do you deal with someone whose talent is so huge and so real that any attempt to rein them in feels like a crime against humanity? Sometimes you let them self-destruct. Other times you intervene and hope for the best. Both of these scenarios played out in Ray’s life. Foxx makes us believe in Ray every step of the way. We seem to be on his side no matter how naughty he is. It is a bit disturbing to watch his cold reactions to women and band members when they cross him. On the other hand, it’s just as distressing to see him cheated by club owners early on in his career. Ray always takes the high road, so to speak. His resolve to make something of himself never wavered. He had a unique ability to make music and knew it. However you may feel about Ray’s personal life, it’s the music that speaks for him in the end. Just like another great musical talent from the same era, frank Sinatra, ray Charles did it his way.