Music is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor. — 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 supposed to cry, but I think that's wrong. Crying's always been a way for me to get things out which are buried deep, deep down. When I sing, I often cry. Crying is feeling, and feeling… — Ray Charles Copy Share
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, 'Look, I miss you darlin', so I went out and got drunk in this bar.' That's the way you say it. Where in Tin Pan Alley they would say, 'Oh I missed you darling, so I… — Ray Charles Copy Share
Music to me is just like breathing. I have to have it. It's part of me. — Ray Charles Copy Share Image
