Deep Soul The Up Rising Of Ray Charles Part 1.

Summary

This transcript explores the roots of soul music in America, highlighting Ray Charles's journey from a blind child in Georgia to a groundbreaking musician. Born in 1930, Charles overcame significant challenges and was heavily influenced by Louis Jordan, a pioneer of rhythm and blues. The narrative emphasizes the vibrant cultural scene of the 1940s and how Charles mastered various musical styles while engaging audiences on the black dance circuit. His story reflects resilience and the transformative power of music amidst a racially segregated society, showcasing how artists like him shaped the sound of an era.

Takeaways

• 😀 The origins of Soul music in America trace back to the 1930s, during a time of racial segregation.
• 😀 Ray Charles, born in Georgia in 1930, began losing his sight at age 5 and became completely blind by age 7.
• 😀 Despite limited opportunities for blind black children, Ray Charles was determined to succeed and taught himself piano.
• 😀 He learned to read music in Braille, an impressive feat that allowed him to master complex compositions.
• 😀 Ray's love for music was fueled by the radio, which offered an escape from his routine life.
• 😀 Louis Jordan, a prominent sax player of the 1940s, was a major influence on Ray Charles and his music.
• 😀 Jordan's music blended jazz and blues, creating a new genre known as Rhythm and Blues.
• 😀 The energy of Jordan's music was designed to inspire dance and enjoyment among listeners.
• 😀 By age 15, Ray Charles was playing piano in various styles and developing his own musical taste.
• 😀 At 16, Ray left school to pursue a career as a professional musician, honing his performance skills on the black dance circuit.

Q & A

What historical context does the script provide about the development of soul music?

The script indicates that soul music began in the racially segregated America of the 1930s, where Black Americans faced significant societal challenges and lived as second-class citizens.

How did Ray Charles's early life influence his music career?

Ray Charles lost his sight at a young age and attended a school for the deaf and blind, where he developed a strong passion for music, ultimately leading him to teach himself piano and explore various musical styles.

Who was Louis Jordan and what impact did he have on Ray Charles?

Louis Jordan was a charismatic saxophonist and entertainer whose music greatly influenced Ray Charles, helping to shape his understanding of rhythm and blues.

What unique methods did Ray Charles use to learn piano?

Ray learned to play piano by reading Braille music, using his left hand for the right-hand part and vice versa, allowing him to master complex pieces.

What kind of music did Ray Charles perform by the age of 15?

By 15, Ray Charles was able to play piano in the styles of various popular musicians, showcasing his versatility and talent.

At what age did Ray Charles start his professional music career?

Ray Charles began his professional music career at the age of 16, performing on the black dance circuit.

What role did the rhythm section play in the evolution of music as described in the script?

The rhythm section was crucial in creating the beat and pulse of rhythm and blues, making it a fresh and energetic genre that encouraged dancing.

What does the script suggest about the emotional impact of Louis Jordan's music?

The script suggests that Louis Jordan's music was designed to uplift and entertain, providing a sense of joy and allowing listeners to escape their everyday struggles.

How did Ray Charles's experiences on the black dance circuit contribute to his musical development?

Performing on the black dance circuit allowed Ray to learn how to engage and energize an audience, mastering the dynamics of live performance.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Feelgood music' as used in the script?

The term 'Feelgood music' refers to the upbeat and danceable nature of the rhythm and blues genre, which provided a much-needed escape and enjoyment for Black Americans.