The Ray Charles Story Movie Review by Homer Page

“Ray” tells on film the story of one of America’s greatest musical talents. Ray Charles Robinson had nothing, was nothing, yet he did as much as anyone to change America in the second half lf the twentieth century. Ray Charles grew up in poverty without a father. He lost his sight at an early age. He was the victim of racism. For most of his adult life he was a heroin addict. He lived with a woman, while on the road, and had a wife and children at home, and yet his music inspired people the world over. “Ray” does not sugar coat the life of Ray Charles. It is honest about his weaknesses and often appalling behavior, but it also presents in a meaningful way why he overcome all his problems to place his mark on American culture. In the end his music told the story.

Ray Charles sang “God Bless America” and it became a classic interpretation of our most loved national hymn. It is fitting that he gave us that statement of his love of the nation, because his story is representative of the American dream. Neither poverty, nor racism, nor addiction, nor blindness could keep him from becoming a legend. Ray Charles was in every way the lowest of the low in our society, yet he was smart, and tough, and enormously talented, and for all its flaws the American culture provided him with the freedom to excel.

Ray Charles used his talent to exercise his freedom. He challenged the Jim Crow policies of the South, the exploitation of the cheap operators in the music business, and finally the power of corporate America. He believed in himself and in his talent, and he never gave in to despair or the negative attitudes of others. His Mother told him, “Don’t let anyone make a cripple out of you”. His blindness couldn’t beat him, but drugs almost did, but not even heroin could destroy him. In the end he loved his music and his freedom more than a long term addiction. The power and the freedom of his spirit won out. Ray Charles lived and worked as a blind man, a person with a disability. No one wants to go through what he did or experience his self-destructive behavior, yet who can but admire his indomitable spirit and amazing talent. The message of the life of Ray Charles is clear. No matter what, don’t give up. No matter what anyone says, don’t stop believing in yourself. No matter what, defend your right to live your own life, and no matter what, don’t let anyone turn you into a cripple. “Ray” tells the Ray Charles story with honesty and grace, and the music will bring tears of sadness and pride to your eyes.