Mama was a country woman with a whole lot of common sense. She understood what most of our neighbors didn't - that I shouldn't grow dependent on anyone except myself. 'One of these days, I ain't gonna be here,' she… — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
People couldn't understand why my mama would have this blind kid out doing things like cutting wood for the fire. But her thing was: He may be blind, but he ain't stupid. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
Learning to read music in Braille and play by ear helped me develop a damn good memory. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
I suppose I've always done my share of crying, especially when there's no other way to contain my feelings. I know that men ain't… — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
You never can overwhelm an instrument. You will never get out all that's in an instrument. An instrument will bring you to your limits. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
I'd like to think that when I sing a song, I can let you know all about the heartbreak, struggle, lies and kicks in… — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't been able to hear. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
Any artist, when he goes in to record, should have the feeling that any song he records can be a hit. This may sound… — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
The words to country songs are very earthy like the blues. They're not as dressed up and the people are very honest and say,… — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
Music to me is just like breathing. I have to have it. It's part of me. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
