Ray Charles On Sax: Rare Performances, Solos & Sheet Music | Plus
Did you know that the legendary Ray Charles, a name synonymous with musical innovation, was not just a phenomenal vocalist and pianist, but also a remarkably skilled saxophonist? His mastery of the saxophone, often overshadowed by his iconic voice, added another dimension to his already multifaceted musical genius, leaving behind a legacy of soulful improvisation and bluesy expression that continues to resonate with audiences today.
From the vibrant stages of live concerts to the intimate settings of television appearances, Ray Charles wielded the saxophone with a captivating blend of technical prowess and emotional depth. A live performance from 1963 in So Paulo, Brazil, captured his artistry on the instrument, showcasing his improvisational skills and the unique timbre he brought to the alto saxophone. This wasn't just a side project for Charles; it was a crucial part of his musical identity, a testament to his deep connection with the blues and jazz traditions that shaped his sound. This concert, filmed on the eve of his 33rd birthday, presents a captivating glimpse into his musical prowess, as he was accompanied by his full band, including saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman and singer Margie Hendricks, making the event even more memorable for the audience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ray Charles Robinson |
| Born | September 23, 1930, Albany, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | June 10, 2004 (aged 73), Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Blues |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano, Organ, Saxophone, Clarinet |
| Years Active | 19472004 |
| Notable Songs | "What'd I Say", "Georgia on My Mind", "Hit the Road Jack", "I Can't Stop Loving You", "You Are My Sunshine" |
| Record Labels | Atlantic, ABC-Paramount, Warner Bros. |
| Awards | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, National Medal of Arts, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. |
| Official Website | www.raycharles.com |
His saxophone playing wasn't just a side gig. Ray Charles seamlessly integrated the instrument into his performances. A notable instance was a guest appearance on the "Smothers Brothers Show" in the late 1960s, where he donned the guise of a busking saxophone player, with the young Stevie Wonder accompanying him on the snare drum. This performance, showcasing his musical versatility, allowed a glimpse of his playful and experimental approach to music, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.
The influence of the alto saxophone in Ray Charles' music extended beyond just live performances and TV appearances. The bluesy character of his playing, evident in recordings and concerts, served as a significant foundation of his sound. His ability to improvise, even attempting the style of Charlie Parker, reveals his deep understanding of jazz and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of his artistic abilities. While some have noted a certain rawness or underdeveloped aspect in his embouchure, this did not diminish the power or authenticity of his playing.
A treasure trove of musical gems includes a live recording from a 1963 concert in So Paulo, Brazil, captured on the eve of Charles' 33rd birthday. The performance, accompanied by his full band, including saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman and singer Margie Hendricks, showcased his ability to blend blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B. On this night, he played alongside his full band with sax player David Fathead Newman and singer Margie Hendricks, highlighting the synergy he created with his collaborators and underscoring the impact of his bandmates like David "Fathead" Newman, whose own solo work was recorded in 1958, released later in 1960 on the Atlantic label, and whose style often complemented Charles' musical vision. He also played many of his hits that night, including "Hit the Road, Jack," "Do Not Set Me Free," "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," and "You Are My Sunshine."
The impact of Ray Charles' music extended far beyond his own performances, influencing generations of musicians and fans. Don Wilkerson, another saxophonist who played on several of Charles' albums, and who had his own solo records, is featured on several ray charles albums. His influence is palpable in the numerous fantastic saxophone solos found throughout his extensive discography, which contributed to his expansive appeal. The ability of the singer to master a variety of instruments, including the piano, organ, saxophone, and clarinet, and released in 1959, he had an iconic song called, whatd I say, which became a massive hit and marked the beginning of his ascent to stardom.
The collaboration with David "Fathead" Newman proved particularly fruitful, as Newman's tenor saxophone often provided a compelling counterpoint to Charles' vocals and piano. A note-by-note transcription of Newman's tenor saxophone solo on "I Got a Woman" exists, for instance, demonstrating the depth and complexity of his playing, as well as the way his partnership with Charles propelled the song to even greater heights. The song, showcasing his improvisational brilliance and his ability to blend seamlessly with Charles' vocals and piano, remains a touchstone for saxophonists, and music fans, alike.
The music community mourned the loss of other band members like Hank Crawford, whose soulful saxophone solos as a sideman contributed greatly to the sound. The significance of Newman's role in Charles' band is also noteworthy, as he initially played the baritone saxophone but later switched to the tenor sax, becoming Charles' principal saxophone soloist after Don Wilkerson left. The passing of members of his band in the same month, which included other saxophonists, illustrates the deep bonds of this musical collective and the profound impact of Charles' music. Ray Charles' music's influence, which helped him gain induction into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1982 and Rock and Roll's Hall of Fame in its inaugural year of 1986.
Furthermore, the "Ray Charles Video Museum" offers a wealth of research, documenting live performances by the genius, while blogs and other media provide a space for appreciation and discussion of his artistry, which underscores the significance of Ray Charles as a musician and cultural icon. He began recording for Warner Brothers in 1990, with albums featuring collaborations that continue to inspire.
A video that featured Ray Charles (with Billy Preston on organ) and his "big band" on the Steve Sullivan Show, and many other moments further cemented the idea that Ray Charles was so much more than a musician. His mastery of the saxophone was an essential part of his story, a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of his musical legacy. At the age of five he contracted glaucoma which, left untreated, resulted in his total blindness a year or so later.
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