The extraordinary life story of Ray Charles.|Oct. 29, 2004|United States|152 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama;Music
Description: Ray Charles, raised by his determined single mother, Aretha Robinson, grows up in poverty but finds comfort in music, eventually mastering the piano. Tragedy strikes when his younger brother, George, accidentally drowns in their mother’s washbasin. Overwhelmed by grief, Ray begins experiencing vision problems and becomes completely blind by the age of seven. Despite his condition, Aretha teaches him independence and sends him to a school for the deaf and blind.
In 1946, Ray joins a white country band, where he is asked to wear sunglasses to conceal his damaged eyes. By 1948, he moves to Seattle, Washington, using his piano skills to secure a job at a nightclub. However, the club owner exploits him, demanding favors and controlling his finances. After realizing he is being manipulated, Ray leaves the band. His talent eventually leads him to Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records, who helps him achieve his first hit with the song “Mess Around.”
Ray meets and marries Della Bea, a preacher’s daughter, though she disapproves of his fusion of gospel and secular music. Despite her concerns, Ray’s fame grows with hits like “I Got a Woman” and “Hallelujah I Love Her So.” During this time, he meets singer Mary Anne Fisher, and their relationship begins. Della discovers Ray’s drug use and demands he stop, but he refuses, leaving her while she is pregnant.
Ray’s stardom continues to rise as he forms the girl trio “The Raylettes” and becomes involved with Margie, their lead singer. This leads Mary Anne to leave him and pursue her solo career. Throughout his journey, Ray’s music remains a defining force, shaping his legacy amidst personal struggles and triumphs.
Cast director: Jerry Grandey
Cast actor: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Harry Lennix, Clifton Powell, Bokeem Woodbine, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong, Richard Schiff
Original name: Ray