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Russ Paladino's avatar

thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU Bret! Ray Charles was such a treasure. He WAS music!

I always felt like he was shortchanged with regard to tributes when he passed because Ronald Reagan died the same week and pushed him off the front page. Very unfair! I was just listening to and learning "You Don't Know Me" the other day and I've been on a Ray Charles Jones ever since. Please keep doing what you do.

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Writing Unchained's avatar

Great!

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Su Terry's avatar

Great videos! They make you want to run to the stereo immediately and put on the Genius!

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Bret Primack's avatar

Thank you. His music really holds up. Highly recommended: Genius + Soul = Jazz

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Su Terry's avatar

I never got to play with Ray, but one of the thrills of my life was sitting on the edge of the stage at Montreaux during his set!

My colleague who played trumpet in Ray's band told me a funny story....he wanted a raise, so he made an appointment with Ray to discuss it. My friend walked into Ray's office. Ray was sitting behind his huge desk. The conversation started out like this--

Ray: So, let me get this straight. (Long pause)....you.....want....a raise?

He didn't get the raise.

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Manuela Thiess Garcia's avatar

Thank you for this, Bret. yes, he was not only one of my all time favorite musicians, but when he collaborated with Betty Carter, there is no more perfect synchronization!

He also helped calm my turbulent youth. He was, truly, a genius!

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Bret Primack's avatar

That Betty Carter, Ray Charles recording is s classic. Baby, it's cold outside!

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Manuela Thiess Garcia's avatar

That's the one! It always give me the chills, it's so very perfect!

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