Comments on: A Ray Charles Quote with A Lesson Inside

By: michelle

michelle — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:01:34 +0000

Thank you, Joi. All the best for 2009 to you too! Michelle

By: joi

joi — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:48:46 +0000

Michelle,
Beautifully said. I think he’s incredibly inspirational too. Anyone who has the guts to fight their own personal demons and come out on top makes me realize that anything is possible. Especially when we have God on our side! Thanks for your beautiful words – it’s always good to hear from another fan of Mr. Charles. Have a wonderful new year, Michelle!

- Joi

By: michelle

michelle — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:14:08 +0000

I believe that Ray Charles was driven by a sense of spirituality which comes through in his wonderfully soulful voice. At the time of his drug
addiction perhaps he wasn’t able or willing to recognise this and gave into his dark side, which we all have, and which can cause any of us to
become addicted to all kinds of negative things in life. Perhaps also he
was willing to take responsibility for his drug addiction because he
recognised that for all the problems he had faced in life, God had blessed
him with extraordinary music talents that very few performers have been
blessed with, either before or since. Ray Charles is my favourite all time
musical artist and for me his lack of self-pity, his good humour and
positive attitude give him a dignity that overcomes any need on my
part to analyse or explain his drug addiction. In my mind he was trying
to come to terms with very testing events and circumstances; he lost his
way for a while, got back on the right path and was stronger as a human
being for it. I find Ray Charles hugely inspirational.

By: joi

joi — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:22:12 +0000

With all due respect, Sherry, if I choose to use a quote from someone who inspires me – I can do just that. I am not feeling sorry for the man, nor am I suggesting that he ever dwelled on hard times.

He left an incredible legacy and overcame what most of us will never even get a taste of.

Why you take exception with my paying tribute to someone in this manner is beyond me.

I’ve read enough about the man to fully doubt that he’d be “disappointed” with an article that’s paying him tribute. Now, someone jumping in and trying to make a problem where there isn’t one – that might be a different story.

By: sherry

sherry — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:00:01 +0000

I think Ray Charles would be disappointed with the article above. Yes, he had plenty of hard times, but he is just the type of person who would not dwell on them like you have. I’ve read his autobiography, and the guy has no regrets and is remarkably positive. So do the guy a favor and stop feeling bad for him. I don’t think he would want your pity.