Ray Charles at 70: Still doing what he loves

September 8, 2000
Web posted at: 4:49 PM EDT (2049 GMT)

From CNN WorldBeat

(CNN) -- Every genre, and every generation, has its masters. When it comes to soulful piano, Ray Charles has earned the title.

CNN WorldBeat paid him a visit in advance of his 70th birthday this month to find out what has kept him going, in a career that has spanned seven decades and spawned almost 100 albums.

"It's the music," said Charles, who lost his sight at age 6 from glaucoma. "Without the music there is nothing. Ever since I was 3 years old, music has always fascinated me, and it still does.

VIDEO Ray Charles in concert, Montreal Jazz Festival, 1998 QuickTime Play Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K     AUDIO Ray Charles on just being himself ... 384K WAV sound Ray Charles on what music means to him ... 240K WAV sound

"Music is the same as the vitamins, the minerals in my body or my blood. It's never separated from me, whether I play or not. If I am not playing it, then I'm thinking it."

Charles' peers, fans, and those who consider themselves both, shared their memories in honor of Charles' birthday.

"Ray Charles is a giant," said producer-musician Quincy Jones. "He was one of my mentors. He would write arrangements in Braille, and translate it to me. At 14 and 16 we used to sit in Seattle on those rainy days and dream about what would happen."

Ahmet Ertegun reminisced about another shared memory of youth -- the risk he took in signing Charles to his then-fledgling label Atlantic Records.

"I started my company with a total investment of $10,000. I bought Ray Charles' contract for about a third of our total budget. But I just thought he was the best singer I'd ever heard."

Stevie Wonder said Charles' pioneering spirit extended beyond music.

"In a time where racism was at a premium high," Wonder said, "he brought together country music and rhythm and blues.

"Through the love that he expressed in his music, he showed the common bond we have between each other. God used him as an incredible vehicle and I hope he lives to be 70 times 70 times 70."

Charles still maintains a rigorous touring schedule and a forward-thinking attitude.

"Fortunately, I do what I love," said Charles. "If you are blessed enough in your life, you do what you love doing. ... That's music to me."

Atlantic Records founder: From Ray Charles to Tori Amos
December 27, 1999
Ray Charles: An eternal class act
February 7, 1996
Lifting the Blues: A helping hand for musicians in need
April 7, 2000

Official Site: Ray Charles
Ray Charles at Allmusic.com
Ray Charles (Richard De La Font Agency)

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.