There are many things to be thankful for in the 21st century, and the Her.ie offices decided we’d show our gratitude to the wonderful world wide web in a new series, ‘Reasons To Be Thankful For The Internet.’
Tuesday marked the 10th anniversary of the death of soul legend, Ray Charles. In a tribute to one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time we decided to share with you some rare footage of the incredible musician.
Charles came to musical prominence back in 1954 after he recorded his own composition, ‘I Got a Woman’, a song that later earned him his very first No.1 in ’55 and in recent years was famously sampled by Kanye West in his hit ‘Gold Digger’.
It was the strong elements of gospel, jazz and blues heard in this track that later proved to be influential in the development and shaping of soul, rock n’ roll and rhythm and blues. Charles’ presence in the industry was seminal to some of the most prolific artists in the last decade – B.B. King, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Gladys Knight, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt and Diana Krall, were all huge fans of his music and featured with him on his final album, Genius Loves Company, which was released two months after he passed away in 2004.
Frank Sinatra once referred to Charles as “the only genius in the business”, while Billy Joel was quoted saying, “this may sound like sacrilege, but I think Ray Charles was more important than Elvis Presley.”
Although he had huge success with the likes of ‘Hit The Road Jack’ and ‘Georgia On My Mind’, we are not bringing you either of those tracks, instead taking you back to Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre for Charles rendition of ‘That Lucky Ol’ Sun‘, which he covered for the 1964 movie ‘Ballad In Blue’.
He may no longer be with us but Charles’ legacy will stand the test of time.
Video via YouTube/LEGENDSOFTHEROD1
Other reasons to be thankful:
8 Famous Historical Photos Spectacularly Recoloured
The Beatles Phenomenal Legacy In Photographs
Remembering Kurt Cobain And Hs Incredible Live Performances
“I’ve Been To The Mountaintop” – Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Last Ever Speech
See Classic Album Covers In Google Street View
Remembering The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert Of 1992
The World’s Greatest Singer’s According To Their Vocal Range
