A fine tribute to a great artist

Rating: 8/10 (3 September 2005)

I have been a Ray Charles fan since the sixties. Yes I'm old. I remember reading years ago an interview in which Mr. Charles said his mother wouldn't help him so that he could learn to help himself. Any parent knows how difficult that would be.I remember his problems with drugs. I loved this movie. It should his struggles not only with being blind but with addiction, racial hatred and people who used him. His talent prevailed. While I was watching this movie I thought, "My goodness, Ray Charles can act". Then of course it hit me. That isn't Ray Charles, thats Jamie Foxx. Wow! It was beyond a good performance. If anyone ever deserved an Oscar it was Jamie Foxx in Ray. I had the privilege of seeing Ray Charles in concert in Seattle a couple of years ago. I understand he saw, in his own way,the movie right before he died. He was pleased and that's good enough for me. His music pleased me and still does.