Ray Charles

Born: 1930-09-23

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004), better known by his shortened stage name Ray Charles, was an American musician. He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds albums. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company. Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” Rolling Stone ranked Charles number 10 on their list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004, and number two on their November 2008 list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". In honoring Charles, Billy Joel noted: "This may sound like sacrilege, but I think Ray Charles was more important than Elvis Presley. I don't know if Ray was the architect of rock & roll, but he was certainly the first guy to do a lot of things . . . Who the hell ever put so many styles together and made it work?" Description above from the Wikipedia article Ray Charles, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia​


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as Ray
Released: 1980-06-16

Jake Blues, just released from prison, puts his old band back together to save the Catholic home...

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Spy Hard

as Busdriver
Released: 1996-05-24

The evil Gen. Rancor has his sights set on world domination, and only one man can stop him: Dick...

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Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration

as Self
Released: 2001-11-13

The Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special was a 2001 New York City revue show by Michael...

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Love Affair

as Self
Released: 1994-10-21

Ex-football star Mike Gambril meets Terry McKay on a flight to Sydney, which is forced to land...

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I Am Not Your Negro

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2017-02-03

Working from the text of James Baldwin’s unfinished final novel, director Raoul Peck creates a...

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The Greatest Night in Pop

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2024-01-19

On a January night in 1985, music's biggest stars gathered to record "We Are the World." This...

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2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2022-11-19

The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony take place on Saturday, November 5,...

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Ray Charles: Live At Montreux

as Self
Released: 2008-10-20

The unforgettable Ray Charles swings and sings with the best of them in this finger-snapping...

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The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2001-02-22

This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in...

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We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song

as Self
Released: 1985-01-28

We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song is a documentary which examines how the song was...

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Sesame Street | All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever!

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1994-05-18

Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! was a 1994 TV special that aired...

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Piano Blues

as Self
Released: 2003-10-04

Director — and piano player — Clint Eastwood explores his life-long passion for piano blues,...

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Ray Charles - Live in France 1961

as Himself
Released: 2011-10-20

Lost for 50 years, these newly discovered concerts were filmed at the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival...

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Limit Up

as Julius
Released: 1989-11-02

Casey is the assistant of commodity trader Peter Oak, but wants to get a license herself. When...

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The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2001-02-22

This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in...

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Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2022-10-27

An intimate and revealing look at the world-changing musician, presented through a lens of...

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Blue's Big Musical Movie

as G-Clef (voice)
Released: 2000-10-03

Get ready for lots of musical fun in this first full-length movie based on the popular Nick Jr....

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Legends of Rock 'n' Roll

as Ray Charles
Released: 1989-01-01

Are you ready for some old-time rock and roll?! Then you are ready for the masters, the...

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The World of Jim Henson

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1994-11-23

In this episode of PBS' Great Performances, the history and legacy of puppeteer Jim Henson is...

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Ray Charles Live - In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony

as Himself
Released: 1981-01-27

This DVD was recorded on January 27, 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta at Jubilee Auditorium. It...

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Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love

as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Released: 2023-04-26

Paying tribute to a beloved national icon for her birthday, NBC celebrates Carol Burnett’s...

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Rat Pack

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2022-01-11

In the 1950s, a small group of artists monopolized the attention of the cameras and the public....

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Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built

as Self
Released: 2007-05-02

This American Masters episode showcases the wonderful influence of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of...

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The Statue of Liberty

as Self - Composer
Released: 1985-10-26

For more than 100 years, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope and refuge for...

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Ray Alexander: A Taste For Justice

as uncredited
Released: 1994-05-13

Ray investigates the murder of a psychiatrist.

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Barbra Streisand... and Other Musical Instruments

as Himself
Released: 1973-11-02

A mulitcultural musical potpourri, Barbra's fifth television spectacular is her most...

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Jazz Evolution

as Self - Piano, Vocals
Released: 2008-08-12

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Sinatra: 80 Years My Way

as Self - Performer
Released: 1995-12-14

'Ol' Blue Eyes' eightieth birthday celebration; star-studded entertainment, tributes by a...

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The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson

as Self
Released: 1990-11-21

While the Muppets prepare a tribute to the late Jim Henson, they learn about the life and career...

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The Big T.N.T. Show

as Self
Released: 1965-12-22

Live performances by some of the top rock-and-roll acts of the mid 60s. Includes Ray Charles,...

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The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 1986-01-21

For the first time in their careers, all the Muppets (except the ones that couldn't make it,...

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The History of Rock 'n' Roll

as Self
Released: 1995-03-06

The history of rock n' roll and pop music are explored are explored via interviews and footage...

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Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones

as Self
Released: 1990-10-05

The extraordinary life of Quincy Jones -- one of the 20th century's most influential and...

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Rockin' Pianos

as Himself
Released: 2004-03-29

1. Introduction 2. The Fat Man - Fats Domino 3. Walking To New Orleans - Fats Domino ...

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Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2004-06-23

The authoritative documentary on Country Music's most influential figure.

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They All Came Out to Montreux

as Self
Released: 2023-06-16

Utilizing a wealth of archival footage featuring Prince, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis and more,...

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Ray Charles: Live at the Olympia

as uncredited
Released: 2006-12-12

Legendary musician Ray Charles turned the lemons of transportation trouble into the sweet...

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Willie Nelson: The Big Six-O

as Self
Released: 1993-05-22

Willie Nelson and friends celebrate his sixtieth birthday in a star-studded concert event.

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Ray Charles: Angels Keep Watching Over Me

as uncredited
Released: 1979-01-02

The Voices of Jubilation present Ray Charles. Region 0 Ray Charles was a pioneering American...

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Ray Charles: Live: Montreux Jazz Festival

as uncredited
Released: 2002-01-01

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NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney

as Self
Released: 1978-09-13

Walt Disney Presents, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Disney’s Wonderful World, Walt...

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Burt Sugarman's The Midnight Special: 1976

as Self
Released: 2006-06-01

Live performances from a television music show that aired late night on the NBC-TV network the U.S.

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Ballad in Blue

as himself
Released: 1965-02-18

Ray Charles plays himself in this film where he helps blind boy David in his struggle to regain...

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Face of Unity

as Self
Released: 2014-01-01

Face Of Unity is the definitive Nelson Mandela documentary feature and first retrospective to be...

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TV in Black: The First Fifty Years

as Self (archive footage)
Released: 2004-01-01

Discover how television has reflected the African American experience in this retrospective of...

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Swingin' Along

as Himself
Released: 1961-04-16

An amateur tunesmith and a con man pool their resources in order to win first prize in a...

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Tom Dowd & The Language of Music

as Himself
Released: 2004-08-24

Tom Dowd & the Language Of Music profiles the extraordinary life and legendary work of music...

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The Second Barry Manilow Special

as Himself
Released: 1978-02-24

Barry's second TV special aired on ABC in 1978.

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Ray Charles: The Legend Lives On

as Himself
Released: 2008-06-12

American R&B icon Ray Charles lets loose on this collection of electrifying live performances...

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Lynda Carter's Celebration

as Self
Released: 1981-05-11

Lynda Carter's third musical TV special.

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Glen Campbell: Good Times Again

as himself
Released: 2007-01-01

In the late 60s Glen Campbell had the world on a string or better yet strings. It was his smooth...

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The Willie Nelson Special - With Special Guest Ray Charles

as Himself
Released: 2002-07-09

Recorded in 1984, Willie Nelson, one of the most influential musical figures of the past quarter...

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Ray Charles: Soul of the Holy Land

as Himself
Released: 2004-11-16

Ray Charles' 1973 tour of the Holy Land is memorialized in this inspiring concert documentary,...

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The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together - A Celebration In Waikiki

as Self
Released: 1987-03-13

Enjoy the Beach Boys in a 90 minute concert celebrating their 25 year anniversary with guest...

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The Blues Brothers: Transposing The Music

as Self - Archive Footage
Released: 2005-08-30

A look at Dan and John's partnership and the music

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Ray Charles - In Concert

as Himself
Released: 2001-03-20

The name Ray Charles stands for superstar worldwide. He is an icon in the music world, has a...

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Montreux Jazz Festival 1991

as uncredited
Released: 1991-07-13

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Ray Charles - La Salle Pleyel, Paris

as himself
Released: 1968-10-08

On October 8th, 1968, Ray Charles, the Raelettes and accompanying musicians performed a...

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Fats Domino: Walking to New Orleans

as Himself
Released: 2007-01-01

1. Introduction 2. I'm Walking 3. Blueberry Hill 4. MyBlue Heaven 5. Blue Monday 6. Hello...

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Ray Charles: O-Genio - Live In Brazil 1963

as uncredited
Released: 2004-11-16

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Star Academy

as Self
First aired: 2001-10-20

Star Academy is a French reality television show produced by the Dutch company Endemol. It...

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The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

as Self
First aired: 1962-10-01

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight...

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The Nanny

as Sammy
First aired: 1993-11-03

Fran, fresh out of her job as a bridal consultant in her boyfriend’s shop, first appears on the...

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Saturday Night Live

as Self - Host & Musical Guest
First aired: 1975-10-11

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The...

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The Dick Cavett Show

as Self - Guest
First aired: 1968-06-06

The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various...

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St. Elsewhere

as uncredited
First aired: 1982-10-26

St. Elsewhere is an American medical drama television series that originally ran on NBC from...

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The Mike Douglas Show

as Self - Co-Host
First aired: 1961-12-11

The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that...

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Wings

as Ray Charles
First aired: 1990-04-19

Brothers Brian and Joe Hackett attempt to run an airline on the New England island of Nantucket...

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Moonlighting

as Ray Charles
First aired: 1985-03-03

After being duped and going bankrupt, model Maddie is convinced by David to become a partner in...

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Champs-Elysées

as Self
First aired: 1982-01-16

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Who's the Boss?

as uncredited
First aired: 1984-09-20

A former professional baseball player, along with his preteen daughter, moves into New York...

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The John Larroquette Show

as Ray Charles
First aired: 1993-09-02

The John Larroquette Show is an American television sitcom .The show was a vehicle for John...

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The Carol Burnett Show

as Self - Guest
First aired: 1967-09-11

The Carol Burnett Show is an American variety/sketch comedy television show starring Carol...

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CMT Crossroads

as Self
First aired: 2002-01-13

Country music stars collaborate with performers from other musical genres and exchange stories...

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The Ed Sullivan Show

as Self - Singer
First aired: 1948-06-20

The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June...

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Kraft Music Hall

as Self
First aired: 1958-10-08

Kraft Music Hall is an umbrella title for several television series aired by NBC in the United...

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Le monde est à vous

as Self (archive footage)
First aired: 1987-09-13

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Shindig!

as Self - Singer
First aired: 1964-09-16

Shindig! is an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to...

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The Midnight Special

as Host / Self
First aired: 1972-08-19

The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during...

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The Midnight Special

as Self
First aired: 1972-08-19

The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during...

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The Kennedy Center Honors

as Self
First aired: 1978-12-28

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their...

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The Dinah Shore Chevy Show

as Self
First aired: 1956-10-05

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show is an American variety series hosted by Dinah Shore, and broadcast on...

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Musikladen

as Self
First aired: 1972-12-13

Der Musikladen was a West German music television programme that ran from December 13, 1972 to...

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The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

as Self
First aired: 1969-01-22

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour is an American network television music and comedy variety show...

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The Johnny Cash Show

as Self
First aired: 1969-06-07

The Johnny Cash Show was an American television music variety show hosted by Johnny Cash. The...

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Victoires de la musique

as Self
First aired: 1985-11-23

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The Flip Wilson Show

as Self
First aired: 1970-09-17

The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September...

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Téléthon

as uncredited
First aired: 1987-12-04

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The Hollywood Palace

as Self - Singer
First aired: 1964-01-04

The Hollywood Palace is an hour-long American television variety show that was broadcast weekly...

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Cachitos de hierro y cromo

as Self (archive footage)
First aired: 2013-10-27

Cachitos de hierro y cromo is a Spanish musical-themed documentary program, directed by Jero...

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Cher

as Self
First aired: 1975-02-16

Emmy Award nominated American variety show.

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Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters

as Self
First aired: 1980-11-18

Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters is an American variety show hosted by Barbara, Louise,...

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The Blues

as uncredited
First aired: 2003-09-28

The Blues is a 2003 documentary film series produced by Martin Scorsese, dedicated to the...

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Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music

as Self
First aired: 2005-05-07

Soul music has conquered the world in the last 50 years - growing from the raw, electric rhythms...

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