"Georgia On My Mind" is one of the greatest recordings of the 20th Century. "What I'd Say", " Hit The Road, Jack ", " You Don't Know Me" and "I Got A Woman", Crying Time", " Unchain My Heart" and a beautifully rousing rendition of "America The Beautiful" are also classics from Charles. His 1962 album, "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music" is a all-time masterpiece and one of the most landmark, influential recordings in history.
@@zkeletonz001 I'll take Brother Ray singing "America the Beautiful" over any rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" any day of the week ... even Chris Stapleton's. As an American, nothing hits me in the feels more than Ray Charles singing that song.
"I Can't Stop Loving You" and his cover of the Leon Russell "A Song For You" are two others very high on my list. Of course, do not forget the duet with Bill Joel "Baby Grand".....beautiful!
I fell in love with music at 3-4 years old, when I heard Ray Charles sing “it’s not easy being green” with Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street… He was my very first musical influence.
Fun facts: This song was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael of 'Stardust" fame and Stuart Gorrell, andv was first recorded by Carmichael. Carmichael had a sister named Georgia, about and for whom the song was possibly written. In 1979, this song was proclaimed the official state song of Georgia. This is one of 3 songs with the state of "Georgia" in the title to hit number 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 charts. The others: "Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight and The Pips, in 1973 and "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" by Vicki Lawrence, in 1972.
Ray's rendition of "America the Beautiful" is also iconic. Played at fireworks shows, New Year's Eve at Times Square, sporting events, patriotic gatherings all over the country and beyond.
Ray Charles and Willie Nelson doing "Spanish Angles" is a MUST reaction due to the fact that it is possibly one of the best combinations from completely different artists who you thought would never really "work well together".... but DO.
When I was a child I would listen to my dad play ray Charles on the phonograph while I laid in bed in the next room. Tears rolled down my cheeks when he sang "I can't stop loving you. I was too young to fully understand the words but I felt the hurt in his voice even as an 8 year old child
I live in Georgia and can't think of a more beautiful song to be the official state song. Love this song so much. I remember awhile back one of our PBS stations would play this song set to scenes around the state at sign off every night. I used to tune in just to watch it
Another great one is A Rainy Night In Georgia by Brook Benton. I lived in Georgia from 1969 -1983. Thru my 20s and 30s. I have many wonderful memories about that time in my life.
" You Don't Know Me", is my personal favourite of his, but this one is a close second. He certainly knew how to stir the emotions, and that's what good music is all about. Great reaction A&A.
I’m 55 yrs old, have been listening to him for as long as I can remember. He still blows my mind when I hear him. This is probably his most popular song. He can take any song, any genre and make it his own and he’s recorded duets with COUNTLESS musicians.
I'd stack Midnight Train to Georgia (Gladys Knight & the Pips) as possibly the best song about that state. And definitely the best choreography by a group of backup singers.
“What I Say” is an absolute masterpiece - it has all the immediacy and excitement of being improvised while being perfectly executed. “Hallelujah, I love her so” and “Drown in My Own Tears” are great and show the gospel influence that made his sound so unique and helped form the basis for soul music.
What I Say also has one of the single best drum beats ever. When it starts up about 15 seconds in..... just like butter spread on a perfect slice of bread.
The definition of smooth. Just gorgeous. Truth is, though, this wasn't written about the state; the state adopted it as the official song much later. But a great, great song and rendition.
Georgia On My Mind is actually referring to a woman Ray adores, and describes her mannerisms in detail. Yet when i hear this song, it makes my heart swell with pride and so much love for my home state. And it has been adopted as the official song of the state of Georgia. The southern hospitality, the mountains and rivers yhat run through it, the antebellum style properties that adorn the landscape of the outer reaches of the cities. It's all embodied into this one song. I love my home state of Georgia.
My 3rd comment. There are several videos of Ray singing this song live. Included is his performance on March 1979 for the Georgia state legislature when it was adopted as the official state song.
One of my closest friends is an Atlanta native and he loves this song. Its one of his favorites. He lives in Richmond now, but I know he's proud of his home state and goes there often to visit his family.
This song is the state song of Georgia. Not just this song but this specific version. Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia. I live in Georgia and I think about this song every time I walk outside at night and the moon is shining through the pines.
Ray Charles is/was/always will be my all time favorite singer. No one emotes like Ray. Straight outa heaven, that voice. My mom played his records, so I’ve listened my whole life. ❤️❤️🙌💯
In 200 years, there are songs we will have forgotten, songs we shouldn't have forgotten, and songs that keep coming back. This is a song that should be taught in schools, that will be passed down generation after generation.
You have to hear Ray Charles sing "America The Beautiful" live on July 4th. Absolutely amazing! Watching his story in the movie Ray, Georgia was probably the last thing he saw before he went blind at the age of 7 or 8.
The production on this masterpiece is second to none..and all the digital, auto time etc, could never ever touch, live musicians, in an open air studio, doing their craft! Period.
You're damn right this has to be part of anyone's musical journey. An iconic masterpiece for sure. "Hit the Road Jack" they still play at a lot of baseball games when they switch out the pitcher. Pretty big hit for Ray in the early 60s. Another great beautiful soulful Georgia song "A Rainy Night in Georgia " by Brook Benton. It will totally transport you.
That James Taylor song is absolutely beautiful, and I'm from London. England . New York state of mind by Billy Joel. and California dreaming , Mama and Papas are fab songs about states too ❤
Andy! You grew up in Georgia and NEVER HEARD THIS??? 😮 Unbelievable! I grew up in SoCal and knew it as a kid. Glad you finally heard it and that you loved it❤❤❤
Ray Charles was and is in a league of his own. If you guys get a chance you should look up a TV special that came out quite a few years ago called "Willie Nelson and Friends". Ray Charles sings a song by Dr. John, and it was so beautiful and full of emotion that it made Willy cry standing there listening. And I was sitting there by myself in the living room watching it and I was so choked up I was glad nobody else was around. It wasn't long after that, that Ray died. Rest in peace... 💛
Ray Charles is an American music icon. The feeling he puts into his singing is just incredible. S tier of course. Awesome job guys, and thanks for sharing this with the masses .
"Hit the Road, Jack", "I Got a Woman", and "Am I Blue" are my favorites from Ray. All three are great songs and show off Ray Charles's versatility as a singer and artist.
My fav is Ray and Billy Joel doing Baby Grand in a video here on RUclips. A great song done with so much passion, emotion and bluesy soulfulness. As a long ago occasional player myself, I feel the connection and it moves me.
Hoagy Carmichle wrote this song. People thought that he wrote this song about his sister Georgia but actually it was about a woman who he was missing who was in the state of Georgia. Hoagy was a very successful Tin Pan Alley songwriter and wrote this song in 1930 but Ray Charles made a huge hit of it in 1960. Carmichael wrote some very beautiful songs in his career over the years I have sung many of them. My brother played cornet and was a huge fan of the music from that era and a big fan of Carmichle, he also was a huge Dixieland Jazz Fan and would play in some Dixieland bands occasionally. Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. Ray Charles truly does it justice. Hit The Road Jack is a fun song, worth a reaction.
Don’t feel alone with having tears come up. My father loved Ray Charles. He’s been gone for almost 5 years, and hearing this just took me there. Music is emotional memory.
The recording from Willie Nelson's birthday of "A Song For You" with Willie and Leon Russell will move you unlike any other. Ray brought Willie to tears.
I'd heard that recording was very near the end of Ray's life, his health was failing. He and Willie were great friends and so he was brought to tears because he knew this about Ray. I've watched that video numerous times and it always gets me; so much heartfelt emotion on that stage.
My 2nd comment. I lived in Atlanta during the 70s and early 80s. I remember when this was adopted as the state song. Ray sang it at a session of the assembled state legislature.
Imagine a Sunday evening, sitting on a balcony looking out over a bay or a big city, it's a beautiful clear sky and the sun is setting, you're there sitting in comfy chairs with your significant other, having a drink or a smoke, enjoying the view, with no worries on your mind, then this is the song you want playing in the background.
Ray Charles has heap of great music. He was brimming talent, not just singing, but could he ever tickle this ivories. "I Can't Stop Loving You " is still a great song, but "Hit the Road Jack" is just one of those songs I'll be singing in the next life. His "What you say?" just gets me grinning.
Ray Charles was a great singer, songwriter, pianist & composer. He pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, R&B & gospel styles. He had so many great songs such as "Hit The Road Jack", "Mess Around", "It Should've Been Me", "Don't You Know", "Midnight Hour", "Sinner's Prayer", "I've Got A Woman", "This Little Girl Of Mine", "A Fool For You", "What'd I Say", "Busted", "Take These Chains From My Heart", "Crying Time" etc.
I am so glad I got to see Ray before he passed. Such a talent and there is so much more of his discography you need to hear and I look forward to your reactions.
Sometimes Fate hands us the perfect singer of the perfect song. This for Ray Charles, At Last for Etta James and one I don't think you've done Crazy for Patsy Kline. Written by Willie Nelson, Patsy managed to record it before her untimely death. While Walking after Midnight and other songs were hits for her, Crazy is in a category all by itself. I've never heard a cover to match it. Now I'm going to go listen to it again.🔥
I saw him in the 80s. He was so stoned that he played for ten minutes and said "you've been great, goodnight everyone" and left the stage. He thought he'd played a full show. The audience sat there confused. A guy came out and said, we apologize but that's all for tonight and the house lights went up.
I'm also from Georgia. Born there, school there, married there, ...... first couple of decades of my life there. Left Georgia when I was 31, but came home when I was 51. This song is one of the theme songs of my life, and only Ray ever did it justice.
My mom's name was Georgia Mae, she and my dad used to dance to this song when I was very young; sadly my dad died at age 35 in 1966 in a car accident when I was 4. My mom died in 2013 at age 78 and we played this song at her funeral, I always get weepy when I hear it. Love and miss you Mom, there was no one like you.
Ray Charles always sounds so emotional and smooth when he's singing, but there is something about his voice that makes me think he was smiling while singing the whole song. Great stuff lads.
Ray Charles recorded a song my father wrote in 1948 called I've Got News For You. Ray recorded it in 1961. and the words are really hip especially for 1948. my dad was ahead of his time. the song was also covered by many other artists. including Edgar Winter on his White Trash album in 1971 which might be my favorite version. and by Greg Allman in 1997. and many other artists throughout the years. But a song I would like to hear you react to is a song my father co wrote called ( Destination Moon ) My father wrote the words. it was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951. but the version of the song that I really love and would like you to react to was performed by ( Dinah Washington ) in 1962. and if you listen to it. remind yourself that the lyric was written in maybe 1950. when artist known for there lyrics like Bob Dylan were only ten years old. 13 years before the Beatles wrote I Want To Hold Your Hand. just to put it in perspective. it is said that the song was listened to by the NASA astronauts on one of the Apollo trips to the moon.
My 4th and final comment. In 1959 I was 14yrs old. To escape the family for some alone time I hid in our separate garage where I had a chair and a small radio. It was there late that summer when I first heard What'd I Say Parts 1 and 2. I was blown away and have been a devoted fan since that day. There are too many great songs by Ray for me to recommend. So choose something suggested by many of his other fans. Over and out.
Ray is the King of Soul. I saw him in concert years ago. Greatest concert ever. I suggest I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town. By the Genius from the album Genius plus Soul equals Jazz.
I had the privilege of attending a Ray Charles concert in the early 80's. This song was one of the highlights of the evening. Ray Charles was a monumental artist. Really enjoyed your reaction. 👍
It is a brilliant song, no question, but so much of it I think is the Ray Charles performance. He performed America the Beautiful on the field before Game 2 of the World Series in 2001 in what was obviously a very emotional time for the country, just a little over a month after 9/11/2001. I was lucky enough to have won tickets to that game and saw it in person and it still gives me goose bumps 22 years later. I highly recommend a watch of that one as it is available on YT. Ray was just a master.
A&A, check out Ray singing the full version of "America The Beautiful" at the 2001 World Series just a few weeks after 9/11. Ray's humble, sweet, genuine, & fun reaction is worth the price of admission.
So many great songs about “Georgia”, these need to be heard too, “Georgia” - Boz Scaggs, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” - Reba MaEntire, "Rainy Night in Georgia” - Brook Benton, “Midnight Train to Georgia” - Gladys Knight & The Pips, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” - Charlie Daniels Band
Alex, I had a so not ideal childhood, also. This song touched my soul like no other. I took my mom’s Ray Charles Live at Carnegie Hall recorded in 1963. I still have it. This is my top song of my life, but it does do battle with Here Comes the Sun. Thank you for the reaction. ❤
"Georgia On My Mind" is one of the greatest recordings of the 20th Century.
"What I'd Say", " Hit The Road, Jack ", " You Don't Know Me" and "I Got A Woman", Crying Time", " Unchain My Heart" and a beautifully rousing rendition of "America The Beautiful" are also classics from Charles.
His 1962 album, "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music" is a all-time masterpiece and one of the most landmark, influential recordings in history.
Listen to @batmanforpresident9655. Speaking clearer than the truth.
All of those are songs they must hit if they haven't already. There's no song about America that hits like his America The Beautiful does.
@@zkeletonz001 I'll take Brother Ray singing "America the Beautiful" over any rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" any day of the week ... even Chris Stapleton's.
As an American, nothing hits me in the feels more than Ray Charles singing that song.
@@gregsager2062 Yeah, would have been a great reaction for them to put out on the fourth.
"I Can't Stop Loving You" and his cover of the Leon Russell "A Song For You" are two others very high on my list. Of course, do not forget the duet with Bill Joel "Baby Grand".....beautiful!
I fell in love with music at 3-4 years old, when I heard Ray Charles sing “it’s not easy being green” with Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street… He was my very first musical influence.
The dude could sing the phone book and I would cry. Soul for days.
There are video's on YT of Ray Charles proforming it in concert. SO good, by the end you realize he isn't singing about being green.
Love, love, love that song ❣️❣️
Same.
What a wonderful memory! Thx for sharing...made me smile!
Fun facts:
This song was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael of 'Stardust" fame and Stuart Gorrell, andv was first recorded by Carmichael. Carmichael had a sister named Georgia, about and for whom the song was possibly written.
In 1979, this song was proclaimed the official state song of Georgia.
This is one of 3 songs with the state of "Georgia" in the title to hit number 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The others:
"Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight and The Pips, in 1973 and "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" by Vicki Lawrence, in 1972.
Hoagy Carmichael wrote numerous other classics, including The Nearness of You and Heart and Soul.
Didn’t realize Hoagy wrote this.
@@danhartzog9274
Yes, good catch..He was also on the old Western T.V. show "Laramie".
Hoagie Carmichael was a favorite artist of George Harrison.
Carmichael himself said he wrote the song about the state.
Ray's rendition of "America the Beautiful" is also iconic. Played at fireworks shows, New Year's Eve at Times Square, sporting events, patriotic gatherings all over the country and beyond.
Yup. That’s a classic.
The sandlot movie as well , classic scene .
Ray Charles and Willie Nelson doing "Spanish Angles" is a MUST reaction due to the fact that it is possibly one of the best combinations from completely different artists who you thought would never really "work well together".... but DO.
Fact!
I think you meant Angels 😇
Agreed, Ray and Willie singing Seven Spanish Angels is something that will stir you to your soul
Loved it. Also great is Ray, Willie, and Leon with Ray singing A Song For You written by Leon Russell.
Absolute masterpiece
"You Don't Know Me" is the jewel in the Ray Charles catalog. A must listen.
When I was a child I would listen to my dad play ray Charles on the phonograph while I laid in bed in the next room. Tears rolled down my cheeks when he sang "I can't stop loving you. I was too young to fully understand the words but I felt the hurt in his voice even as an 8 year old child
The state of Georgia honored Ray by naming this as the state's official song.
I live in Georgia and can't think of a more beautiful song to be the official state song. Love this song so much. I remember awhile back one of our PBS stations would play this song set to scenes around the state at sign off every night. I used to tune in just to watch it
Another great one is A Rainy Night In Georgia by Brook Benton. I lived in Georgia from 1969 -1983. Thru my 20s and 30s. I have many wonderful memories about that time in my life.
IMHO, this is the best “Georgia” song out of the like seven good ones that exist!!!
" You Don't Know Me", is my personal favourite of his, but this one is a close second. He certainly knew how to stir the emotions, and that's what good music is all about. Great reaction A&A.
Personal bias? No you have no biases.😂 This song, this artist, no biases needed. One of many masterpieces by a true genius!
I’m 55 yrs old, have been listening to him for as long as I can remember. He still blows my mind when I hear him. This is probably his most popular song. He can take any song, any genre and make it his own and he’s recorded duets with COUNTLESS musicians.
I'd stack Midnight Train to Georgia (Gladys Knight & the Pips) as possibly the best song about that state. And definitely the best choreography by a group of backup singers.
“What I Say” is an absolute masterpiece - it has all the immediacy and excitement of being improvised while being perfectly executed. “Hallelujah, I love her so” and “Drown in My Own Tears” are great and show the gospel influence that made his sound so unique and helped form the basis for soul music.
What I Say also has one of the single best drum beats ever. When it starts up about 15 seconds in..... just like butter spread on a perfect slice of bread.
I believe they did "What I Say" during their Roots livestream
@@garyschill7923 Have to check it out then. Thanks!
What’s I Say would be a great song to react to.
Unchain my heart too
The definition of smooth. Just gorgeous. Truth is, though, this wasn't written about the state; the state adopted it as the official song much later. But a great, great song and rendition.
Georgia On My Mind is actually referring to a woman Ray adores, and describes her mannerisms in detail. Yet when i hear this song, it makes my heart swell with pride and so much love for my home state. And it has been adopted as the official song of the state of Georgia. The southern hospitality, the mountains and rivers yhat run through it, the antebellum style properties that adorn the landscape of the outer reaches of the cities. It's all embodied into this one song. I love my home state of Georgia.
My 3rd comment. There are several videos of Ray singing this song live. Included is his performance on March 1979 for the Georgia state legislature when it was adopted as the official state song.
This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes. And nobody sings it like Ray Charles.
One of my closest friends is an Atlanta native and he loves this song. Its one of his favorites. He lives in Richmond now, but I know he's proud of his home state and goes there often to visit his family.
This song is the state song of Georgia. Not just this song but this specific version. Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia. I live in Georgia and I think about this song every time I walk outside at night and the moon is shining through the pines.
Ray Charles is/was/always will be my all time favorite singer. No one emotes like Ray. Straight outa heaven, that voice. My mom played his records, so I’ve listened my whole life. ❤️❤️🙌💯
In 200 years, there are songs we will have forgotten, songs we shouldn't have forgotten, and songs that keep coming back. This is a song that should be taught in schools, that will be passed down generation after generation.
You have to hear Ray Charles sing "America The Beautiful" live on July 4th. Absolutely amazing! Watching his story in the movie Ray, Georgia was probably the last thing he saw before he went blind at the age of 7 or 8.
YES - his rendition of America the Beautiful is absolutely a must!
I suggested when Ray sang it at the 2001 World Series just a few weeks after 9/11. Ray's reaction is worth the price of admission.
The production on this masterpiece is second to none..and all the digital, auto time etc, could never ever touch, live musicians, in an open air studio, doing their craft! Period.
You're damn right this has to be part of anyone's musical journey. An iconic masterpiece for sure. "Hit the Road Jack" they still play at a lot of baseball games when they switch out the pitcher. Pretty big hit for Ray in the early 60s. Another great beautiful soulful Georgia song "A Rainy Night in Georgia " by Brook Benton. It will totally transport you.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning A Rainy Night in Georgia. Beautiful vocal by Brook Benton.
Such a classic. Here in NC we have a soft spot for “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor; it’s a mood.
That James Taylor song is absolutely beautiful, and I'm from London. England . New York state of mind by Billy Joel. and California dreaming , Mama and Papas are fab songs about states too ❤
Andy!
You grew up in Georgia and NEVER HEARD THIS??? 😮
Unbelievable!
I grew up in SoCal and knew it as a kid.
Glad you finally heard it and that you loved it❤❤❤
Straight outta the Great American Songbook. Just keeps rolling on thru the generations.
An iconic classic from one of the giants of blues and soul!
Ray Charles is a National Treasure!
Ray Charles was and is in a league of his own.
If you guys get a chance you should look up a TV special that came out quite a few years ago called "Willie Nelson and Friends". Ray Charles sings a song by Dr. John, and it was so beautiful and full of emotion that it made Willy cry standing there listening. And I was sitting there by myself in the living room watching it and I was so choked up I was glad nobody else was around. It wasn't long after that, that Ray died. Rest in peace... 💛
Yes!!! That show was fantastic.
Willie sang this at Ray's funeral.
@@hectorsmommy1717
I did not know that, cool!
Thank you
@@brendafloyd1532Always love it when I here from somebody who saw that show. 🙂
I had to go watch the video and I have to correct myself. It was a Leon Russell song instead of Doctor John. I'm 67 and sometimes my brain farts, LOL.
The movie “Ray” about Ray Charles is one of the best biopics ever.
Ray Charles is an American music icon. The feeling he puts into his singing is just incredible. S tier of course. Awesome job guys, and thanks for sharing this with the masses .
I can't hear this song without tears!
There was something just sweet and cozy about mr Ray Charles. He makes me cry
This is even better the more you listen to it. It's the anticipation of knowing what's coming next.
Throw a dart at his catalogue and it will be a great song. One of the greatest musicians and singers of all time.
I cry everytime I listen this song, you can cry. Its reminds of my past and my family❤
Released in September 1960...got to #1 on the charts on November 14, 1960...a CLASSIC!!!
"Hit the Road, Jack", "I Got a Woman", and "Am I Blue" are my favorites from Ray. All three are great songs and show off Ray Charles's versatility as a singer and artist.
Alex ❤🤗 Phenomenal song and interpretation by the great Ray Charles❤
Our Georgia boy singing our state song! I grew up at the home of the Dukes of Hazzard 1973-1998 - GO DAWGS GO BRAVES ✌💖☮
You need to do Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful. Amazing.
You guys need to listen to Brooke Benton 'Rainy Night in Georgia". Such an incredible song and such an incredible voice.
I love that song and also recommend it.
Highly recommend, and best “Georgia “ song!
Rainy Night in Georgia ❤ written and sung by Tony Joe White
My fav is Ray and Billy Joel doing Baby Grand in a video here on RUclips. A great song done with so much passion, emotion and bluesy soulfulness. As a long ago occasional player myself, I feel the connection and it moves me.
Listening to Ray perform this over the course of 40 years it’s part of our lives. It’s comforting and melodic. It’s Ray man ☮️
Hoagy Carmichle wrote this song. People thought that he wrote this song about his sister Georgia but actually it was about a woman who he was missing who was in the state of Georgia. Hoagy was a very successful Tin Pan Alley songwriter and wrote this song in 1930 but Ray Charles made a huge hit of it in 1960. Carmichael wrote some very beautiful songs in his career over the years I have sung many of them. My brother played cornet and was a huge fan of the music from that era and a big fan of Carmichle, he also was a huge Dixieland Jazz Fan and would play in some Dixieland bands occasionally. Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. Ray Charles truly does it justice. Hit The Road Jack is a fun song, worth a reaction.
Agreed 100% Ray Charles Georgia On My Mind S-TIER!!!
It's undeniably beautiful.
My favorite state song is "Carolina On My Mind" by James Taylor.
Yes. The J.T song about Carolina is absolutely beautiful his voice is just so lovely❤
@@sallybannister6224 He lived in NC with his family for a while when he was growing up.
Don’t feel alone with having tears come up. My father loved Ray Charles. He’s been gone for almost 5 years, and hearing this just took me there. Music is emotional memory.
Ray Charles' version of America the Beautiful is great too.
The recording from Willie Nelson's birthday of "A Song For You" with Willie and Leon Russell will move you unlike any other. Ray brought Willie to tears.
I'd heard that recording was very near the end of Ray's life, his health was failing. He and Willie were great friends and so he was brought to tears because he knew this about Ray. I've watched that video numerous times and it always gets me; so much heartfelt emotion on that stage.
@@troilusand from when music was real. Played by heartfelt artists.
My 2nd comment. I lived in Atlanta during the 70s and early 80s. I remember when this was adopted as the state song. Ray sang it at a session of the assembled state legislature.
"Night Time Is The Right Time" and "You Are My Sunshine are two of my favorites.
Imagine a Sunday evening, sitting on a balcony looking out over a bay or a big city, it's a beautiful clear sky and the sun is setting, you're there sitting in comfy chairs with your significant other, having a drink or a smoke, enjoying the view, with no worries on your mind, then this is the song you want playing in the background.
Goosebumps
Ray Charles has heap of great music. He was brimming talent, not just singing, but could he ever tickle this ivories. "I Can't Stop Loving You " is still a great song, but "Hit the Road Jack" is just one of those songs I'll be singing in the next life. His "What you say?" just gets me grinning.
Ray Charles was a great singer, songwriter, pianist & composer. He pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, R&B & gospel styles. He had so many great songs such as "Hit The Road Jack", "Mess Around", "It Should've Been Me", "Don't You Know", "Midnight Hour", "Sinner's Prayer", "I've Got A Woman", "This Little Girl Of Mine", "A Fool For You", "What'd I Say", "Busted", "Take These Chains From My Heart", "Crying Time" etc.
I am so glad I got to see Ray before he passed. Such a talent and there is so much more of his discography you need to hear and I look forward to your reactions.
Def Hit the Rd Jack 👍👍...So many more....
Ray da Man for damnsure❤️❤️✌️
HONEST and HEARTFELT reaction. Thank you both. 💙
"The Right Time" from Ray Charles is got the grit and genius of Ray on display and it's magnificent!
When I first heard Ray Charles sing America the beautiful, I thought this should be our national anthem. It was that moving for me.
Sometimes Fate hands us the perfect singer of the perfect song. This for Ray Charles, At Last for Etta James and one I don't think you've done Crazy for Patsy Kline. Written by Willie Nelson, Patsy managed to record it before her untimely death. While Walking after Midnight and other songs were hits for her, Crazy is in a category all by itself. I've never heard a cover to match it. Now I'm going to go listen to it again.🔥
Patsy Cline's version of "Crazy" is the all-time greatest slow dance.
I saw him in the 80s. He was so stoned that he played for ten minutes and said "you've been great, goodnight everyone" and left the stage. He thought he'd played a full show. The audience sat there confused. A guy came out and said, we apologize but that's all for tonight and the house lights went up.
Hit the Road jack is an awesome RC tune
I'm also from Georgia. Born there, school there, married there, ...... first couple of decades of my life there. Left Georgia when I was 31, but came home when I was 51. This song is one of the theme songs of my life, and only Ray ever did it justice.
Closest I can get to this is the best song about a city, namely "I Left My Heart In San Francisco". It is comparable to this beauty of a song.
ruclips.net/video/Ysw4svDmcxc/видео.html
My mom's name was Georgia Mae, she and my dad used to dance to this song when I was very young; sadly my dad died at age 35 in 1966 in a car accident when I was 4. My mom died in 2013 at age 78 and we played this song at her funeral, I always get weepy when I hear it. Love and miss you Mom, there was no one like you.
Another incredible song is Ray's version of America The Beautiful. That's his S Tier song for sure.
Ray Charles is amazing. One of the most important musicians of the 20th century.
How has Andy not heard this before? It's the official state song of Georgia! If he went to school there, he should have heard it there.
Ray Charles always sounds so emotional and smooth when he's singing, but there is something about his voice that makes me think he was smiling while singing the whole song. Great stuff lads.
One of the greatest songs ever
Ray Charles recorded a song my father wrote in 1948 called I've Got News For You. Ray recorded it in 1961. and the words are really hip especially for 1948. my dad was ahead of his time. the song was also covered by many other artists. including Edgar Winter on his White Trash album in 1971 which might be my favorite version. and by Greg Allman in 1997. and many other artists throughout the years. But a song I would like to hear you react to is a song my father co wrote called ( Destination Moon ) My father wrote the words. it was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951. but the version of the song that I really love and would like you to react to was performed by ( Dinah Washington ) in 1962. and if you listen to it. remind yourself that the lyric was written in maybe 1950. when artist known for there lyrics like Bob Dylan were only ten years old. 13 years before the Beatles wrote I Want To Hold Your Hand. just to put it in perspective. it is said that the song was listened to by the NASA astronauts on one of the Apollo trips to the moon.
For posterity here, please tell us your father's name!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!
"A song for you" by Leon Russell is one of my favorite Ray Charles songs.
My Dad was a fan so I grew up listening to his music. Saw him in concert at a local college in early 2002. He and the Ray-lettes were incredible!
My 4th and final comment. In 1959 I was 14yrs old. To escape the family for some alone time I hid in our separate garage where I had a chair and a small radio. It was there late that summer when I first heard What'd I Say Parts 1 and 2. I was blown away and have been a devoted fan since that day. There are too many great songs by Ray for me to recommend. So choose something suggested by many of his other fans. Over and out.
more Ray Charles bangers pls
Ray is the King of Soul.
I saw him in concert years ago. Greatest concert ever.
I suggest I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town. By the Genius from the album Genius plus Soul equals Jazz.
I had the privilege of attending a Ray Charles concert in the early 80's. This song was one of the highlights of the evening. Ray Charles was a monumental artist. Really enjoyed your reaction. 👍
It is actually about a woman named Georgia, but guess it’s OK for the state to claim it, too. (“…other arms….other eyes…”)
Absolutely amazing song!
The most unique phrasing while playing piano - live off the floor. Amazing.
Amazing voice! Off the charts!
Every time I hear... I Can't Stop Loving You reminds me so much of my mom. She use to love that song. Such a Beautiful song
It is a brilliant song, no question, but so much of it I think is the Ray Charles performance. He performed America the Beautiful on the field before Game 2 of the World Series in 2001 in what was obviously a very emotional time for the country, just a little over a month after 9/11/2001. I was lucky enough to have won tickets to that game and saw it in person and it still gives me goose bumps 22 years later. I highly recommend a watch of that one as it is available on YT. Ray was just a master.
Come Rain or Come Shine is our wedding song. For 29 years we’re still dancing when it plays.❤️❤️🎹🎹👰🏼♀️🤵🏼 Love you guys.
Ray Charles's voice is in the audio dictionary next to the word "soulful." Or if it's not it should be.
A&A, check out Ray singing the full version of "America The Beautiful" at the 2001 World Series just a few weeks after 9/11. Ray's humble, sweet, genuine, & fun reaction is worth the price of admission.
I ran away to Georgia after high school. It has the greatest and worst memories of my life. Bring me tears every time.
So many great songs about “Georgia”, these need to be heard too, “Georgia” - Boz Scaggs, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” - Reba MaEntire, "Rainy Night in Georgia” - Brook Benton, “Midnight Train to Georgia” - Gladys Knight & The Pips, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” - Charlie Daniels Band
“Oh, Atlanta” by Little Feat. Not technically Georgia but close enough.
The Night The Lights Went out In Georgia was taken to number one by Vicki Lawrence.
This song just becomes more and more perfect every time I hear it. Each note is like an artist brush stroke. Ray was a tremendous gift to the world.
One of my all time favorites! You just have to stop and listen. 😊❤He’s a legend. This song is epic.
This song always reminds me of my Dad, who I remember listening to this when I was a kid. He's been gone for > 50 years ( I was 15).
Love Ray Charles! One of the first albums my Dad bought for me along with my first record player, when I was a pre-teen in 1960.
Ray has one of those special voices. His rendition of "Lucky Old Sun" will tear your guts out.
Alex, I had a so not ideal childhood, also. This song touched my soul like no other. I took my mom’s Ray Charles Live at Carnegie Hall recorded in 1963. I still have it. This is my top song of my life, but it does do battle with Here Comes the Sun. Thank you for the reaction. ❤