Just saw the Ray Charles biopic, 'Ray' last night. One word - AMAZING! I couldn't tell that Jamie Foxx was Jamie Foxx until one scene where he had the glasses off and his eyes open! He did an excellent job portraying Ray, and he even sang and played piano (quite well) in a couple of scenes.
The movie did a great job on the traumatic events of Ray's life (going blind, struggles with heroin and alcohol) and also his womanizing traits. It was amazing to see just how 'normal' he was. Seeing (quite literally) this movie made me REALLY appreciate the fact that I have all four senses. Although I was a little jealous of the fact that Ray's hearing worked so well, making up for his lack of sight. I can't imagine what it would be like to be blind, or even to have that incredible sense of sound.
I've often played my drums with my eyes closed, sometimes for two or three songs, just to prove to myself that I could do it. I do sometimes think about what it would be like to lose my sight. Probably frustrating at times, but not unbearable. If I had to choose, I would much rather lose my sight than my hearing. I couldn't live without music or the ability to make it.
After viewing this movie, I'm reminded just how much of a genius Ray Charles Robinson really was. He was able to blend country, blues, rock and soul WAY before Nelly or Tim McGraw were even born. (They have a new duet out, for the uninformed).
Anyone looking to buy my love this Christmas can get me the soundtrack to "Ray" or a Ray Charles Greatest Hits, or the Complete Country Western Recordings album. I need some Ray in my collection!
Also, I'm in need of five Fleetwood Mac albums which were lifted from my collection by a keyboard player who shall remain nameless.. the albums are:
Fleetwood Mac's Greatest Hits (green album),
The Dance,
The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac (2-disc set, white)
and the self-titled Fleetwood Mac album that features Blue Letter, Landslide and Rhiannon.
Hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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2 comments:
Hi Brother this is your sister....Love your blog, just haven't had the time to sit down and read it. But with Thanksgiving a few days away and since I am off till Monday I have some time... I have two buttermilk pies in the oven, just boiled my eggs for deviled eggs and I have made choclate chip cookies that are ready to bake...And its tues night about 9:00. Worked all day and am beat. Thanks for the memories that you wrote about in fact I found graces receipe for the wild rice casserole and I am going to atempt to make it, will let you know, memories are wonderful and even though we are twelve years apart none the less we grew up in the same family with wonderful memories that noone can ever take away from us and that is what life is all about the wonderful things we can remember and look back on and reflect,we have been truly blessed the lord is so good. We look forward to hearing about your new band ,keep the lord first and he will bless you beyond your wildest dreams. As I sit here in our new home I can't help but Thank him. Love ya brother your SISTER
I can't wait to see the movie...the outtakes I've seen have been great. What a tribute to a truly gifted musician. Question....wasn't there a great composer who was deaf? Beethoven, Bach, someone? I'd probably know the answer if I hadn't always fallen asleep during "Music Appreciation" class. And, by the way, I have noticed you playing drums with your eyes closed. Just thought you were trying not to lose your focus by what was happening out on the dance floor! (: Mom
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