Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles Robinson went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world and to never let his disability hold him back, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. Meeting each obstacle that was set before him with unstoppable force, Ray made a name for himself as a musical genius as well as a shrewd businessman. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. Ray provides an unflinching portrait of Charles' musical genius as he overcomes drug addiction while transforming into one of this country's most beloved performers.

If Ray Charles were still with us, I believe he would be highly pleased with this movie as it not only captures his genius but the music is infectious in the movie. Ray Charles has some of the most catchy tunes ever written from Hit the Road Jack, to one of my all time favorites Georgia on my Mind and the movie is chock full of his music. Its hard to not be in rapture from this movie as it’s the music that draws you in, and that’s the reason I think Ray would be pleased with it because a lot of the time its more about the music and less about the man. Sure Ray Charles was nothing short of amazing as a song writer, a music producer and a black blind man that to overcome great odds to make it from not only his disability but also from being black in the 1950’s. And the movie lets you see how amazing he was, but it also leaves you with the legacy I think Ray would be most proud of and that’s his music.

Jamie Foxx doesn’t get enough credit as an actor as he has to be one of Hollywood’s best unheralded talents. This is the second time I have seen him just absolutely capture a character so completely that you believe he is that character (Redemption was the first movie). He just captures Ray Charles so well that it’s like Ray was playing himself, as Foxx even managed to get the head swaying down pat, one of the things Ray was most notably remembered for. I also appreciated that when there was signing to be done it was Foxx lip syncing to a dubbed over Charles himself, as no one could do Ray’s music better than Ray himself and Foxx looked realistic enough lip syncing that it never distracted from the film. If you’re looking for a movie that is not only dramatic while at the same time being infectious and inspiring this movie is for you.
4 stars out of 5