Music is nothing separate from me. It is me... You'd have to remove the music surgically.
Ray CharlesMusic is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor.
Ray CharlesI think that most great artists who are extremely known, as I am, would intimidate a lot of people. I don't want to do that to people, but I know I do.
Ray CharlesWhat I've got to live up to, is being myself. If I do that, the rest will take care of itself.
Ray CharlesThe 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 went to this restaurant and I sat down and had a dinner for one.' That's cleaned up now, you see? But country and blues tells it like it is.
Ray Charles