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Brother Ray  By  cover art

Brother Ray

By: Ray Charles,David Ritz
Narrated by: Andrew L. Barnes
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Publisher's summary

Ray Charles (1930-2004) led one of the most extraordinary lives of any popular musician. In Brother Ray, he reveals his life story unsparingly, from the chronicle of his musical development to his heroin addiction to his tangled romantic life.

Overcoming poverty, blindness, the loss of his parents, and the pervasive racism of the era, Ray Charles was acclaimed worldwide as a genius by the age of 32. By combining the influences of gospel, jazz, blues, and country music, he invented, almost single-handedly, what became known as "soul". And throughout a career spanning more than a half century, Ray Charles remained in complete control of his life and his music, allowing nobody to tell him what he could or couldn't do.

The San Francisco Chronicle calls Brother Ray "an emotional blast as vivid and real, sweaty and straight talking as the man himself".

©1992, 2003, 2004 David Ritz; 1978 Ray Charles and David Ritz (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A delight." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about Brother Ray

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Too vulgar and profane to finish

I eagerly looked forward to the biography of Ray Charles whose music I have enjoyed since childhood. However, early in my listening I found it very difficult to get through his vulgar reference to women's vagina and his language in describing his sexual escapades in his early life. I am no prude but I think his story could have been told without the crude manner of his telling it. The rest of the story may be great but I chose to stop listening.

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3 people found this helpful

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Brother Ray is a true inspiration

Brother Ray (Ray Charles Own Story) was a great book as far as I was concerned. I have always been a fan of Charles’ music. After watching the movie “Ray” (2004) with Jamie Foxx, I became fascinated with the man. The book shows a much more detailed look into his life and what makes him such an inspiration for anyone with a disability (or without one). By the time Ray is thirty two years old, he overcame poverty, blindness, the loss of both parents, and the widespread racism of his era. He wasn’t afraid to dip into new genres (gospel, blues, and even country music). Very independent, even turning down a presidential invite to play the White House because they didn’t allow him the proper time to prepare. Ray never gave out autographs, even refusing President Johnson one. This book is funny, sad, melancholy and ever emotion in between.

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Very Inspirational

I love this book, it’s amazing. The narrator did a magnificent job, I really enjoyed his voice. I didn’t realize Ray Charles was such an amazing person. I highly recommend this audiobook. I’m a changed person because of it.

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1 person found this helpful

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Don’t know why it took me so long to read this book.

I really enjoyed the narrator. I also enjoyed how the book was written. The chapters were not too long, progressed naturally through his career, and covered more than just his career and music, although it was the main focus as it should be.

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Strength

This was an excellent book about Ray Charles...the determination and strength that he had throughout his life. a must read!

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Good in depth story of a man that wouldn't quit

In depth story of a.man from childhood to his death in fine detail approved by the man himself

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THAT WAS GREAT!

Waaay better than the movie! Most books are. Learned waaaaay more. What an adventure! I love that he wasn’t scared to follow his heart and he is continuously himself, unapologetically, right or wrong. A book I’d read/listen to again 🙌😮‍💨

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Extraordinary life story

Loved this autobiography about Brother Ray. He was truthful and honest about his life, including his opinions about the world and ideas for the future.

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Awesome!!

I love Ray Charles’ music. This book made me miss him. I should have read it years ago. So glad I made it part of my weekly listening time. Brother Ray was indeed one of our great American treasures. So glad he shared his talent and love of music with us. Continue to have a great rest my friend.

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A Legend reveals his unvarnished truth

If you love soul music and those who created it, you’ll love this. Granted, there are plenty of details and diatribes and straight up talk about straight up things (life and death, sex and religion). And some views will seem dated and therefore not progressive enough for the younger set. But Brother Ray tells it like it was for him. This autobiography is a time piece - like one of those boxes full of zeitgeist that are buried for future posterity. If you love the man’s music and his undeniable contribution to world pop culture , you’ll dig this. The audible version is so well read that I’ll have to listen to parts of it again. Much respect .

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