I know it’s all old hat now, but to hell with it. Yes, former president Regan died recently and although I know naught of his politics during the first part of my life, he seemd like a swell guy. But what about Ray Charles? I dunno, perhaps it’s my gravitation towards musicians as opposed to politicians, but still. Ray Charles? Dead? We truly have lost an icon, and I’m not sure we know what’s been taken from us.

Sure Ray’s getting some press, but no where near what he deserves. I can honestly say that my introduction to Ray’s work has only been a recent development. About a year and a half ago when I got Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music. Since then (combined with my diving into much soul music), i’ve developed a profound love for this man’s work and what he’s done for the modern music scene. He truly is the cat’s pajamas. And, frankly, I’m a bit saddened that little is being done (media-wise) to honor such a certified genius.

Looking back on his catalogue, I’m breathless as to just how much he published, and how expansive his style was. Ray’s work came before Led Zepplin and The Band. Listen to them and it’s impossible to ignore the influence. His work predated Aretha and Motown. Even pop and country music was never the same after he recorded. There isn’t a genre of music (save opera and electronic) that Ray Charles’ influence didn’t impact greatly. So it was much more than soul music that Ray changed forever.

We’ve lost a former president in the last week, but we’ve also lost one of the cornerstones of music history. As we honor one with grandiose displays of pomp and circumstance, let us also honor the other in our hearts with just as much solemnity.