Who's behind the notes? Discover Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul Music
Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful" is a legendary and iconic performance. Here are some interesting facts about it:
Performance at the Super Bowl: Ray Charles performed "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. This performance is considered one of the most memorable renditions of the song at a major sporting event.
Unique Style: Ray Charles added his signature touch to the song, infusing it with his unique blend of R&B, gospel, and soul. His soulful rendition made the song even more powerful and moving.
Rekindling Patriotism: His performance came just months after the September 11 attacks, and it played a significant role in rekindling a sense of patriotism and unity among Americans during a difficult time.
Chart Success: After his Super Bowl performance, Ray Charles' version of "America the Beautiful" gained widespread popularity and even reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Multiple Awards: Ray Charles won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for his rendition of "America the Beautiful" in 2002.
Cultural Impact: This performance further cemented Ray Charles' status as a musical icon and showed his ability to transcend genres, touching the hearts of people from all backgrounds.
Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful" remains a powerful and emotional tribute to the United States and continues to inspire and move audiences to this day.