Untold Stories of Ray

Ray Charles is a household name for all in the United States. A figure of blues, jazz, soul and an era of rock and roll that was once despised is now accepted as a vital piece of music history and education. Though he lives on no more in this world, his legacy, his music and his story will continue to be told in classrooms, on stage and in books worldwide.

Elesta Pritchett was a childhood friend of Ray. Living down the road from him on what is now called Ray Charles Ave., in Greenville, Fl., she recalled what it was like to know the blind piano wonder. She is less than one month older than Ray was.

On the day of Sept. 23, 1930, in Albany, Ga., Aretha Williams, a teenage orphan, native to Greenville, gave birth to Ray Charles Robinson. “She was a biracial child with two long [hair] braids,” Pritchett recalled, “What they portrayed in that movie, looked nothing like [Aretha].”

Albany claims that Ray Charles is its native son, but Pritchett begs to differ. “Maybe a month,” said Pritchett, when asked about how long he was in Georgia, “that's all the Georgia he had in him.”

Aretha was adopted by Bailey and Mary Jane Robinson. Bailey and Aretha were involved in what was called a scandal. Bailey was soon to be found to be Ray Charles' biological father.

Before Ray's birth, Bailey's sister came down from Albany, Ga. to take in Aretha during the birth. Aretha returned to Greenville with infant Ray and raised him with Mary Jane Robinson, Aretha's assumed mother-in-law. Bailey Robinson abandoned Ray, Aretha, and Mary Jane, eventually leaving Greenville and marrying another woman.

Pritchett's uncle lived next to Ray Charles' grandmother. “That's how I first heard of R.C.,” said Pritchett, “That's what we called him, 'R.C.'” She expressed that she and her family lived in and out of Greenville because of where her family would locate to work in the mills in the county. But when she came back, “Ray would always come to my house and play,” Pritchett said.

Ray Charles was not the only child to Aretha. George Robinson was Ray's only brother and passed away at a very young age. It was said that George took to math as much as Ray took to the piano. “The day [George] passed, we were playing in the yard,” said Pritchett, referring to the traumatic event that led to the death of Ray's brother. “We knew, by the screaming and hollering, that George [was gone].” Ray watched as his four year-old brother drowned in a laundry tub in the front yard, despite his effort to help save him.

Shortly after George's death, Ray began to lose his eye sight. “I don't remember a time of R.C. not being able to see.” said Pritchett. Ruth Reams, husband to A.D. Reams, helped send Ray to the St. Augustine School for the Blind. A.D. Reams was the president of a local bank at the time. At the age of seven, Ray went completely blind. He learned how to read braille and began to play piano more than ever in St. Augustine at the school. A place called Red Wing Cafe, owned by Wiley and Georgia Pitman in Greenville, was where Ray learned how to play the piano, along with Pritchett, when they were much younger.

Ray came back to Greenville from time to time, to be with his mother, who slowly became severely ill; and to see his other friends and family. Ray taught Mrs. Pritchett how to play cards, even while he was blind. “We kept in close contact,” said Pritchett. “He lived in the city life. He had more than we did in Greenville. I was glad to hear what he had to say.” Ray came home at the age of 14 to face his deepest fear. His mother, Aretha, had fallen ill and passed away. Ray always said that the death of his mother and brother were the two greatest tragedies of his life. He

returned to school in St. Augustine after his mother passed but was soon expelled.

“The last time I saw [Ray] was after his mom passed,” said Pritchett. “He was on a Greyhound bus going from Tallahassee to Live Oak to play.” That was the last time Pritchett saw Ray Charles in Greenville.

Ray Charles moved to Jacksonville with a couple who had known his mother. Ray played piano for bands at the Ritz Theatre, in Jacksonville, for over a year; making less than $5 per night. Ray befriended multiple friends who were union members but eventually moved to Orlando at the age of 16 for more opportunities. Ray Charles soon found himself in Seattle, Wa. in 1948, where he met Quincy Jones. Jones is a producer and musician, but Jones found his inspiration for his own career when he saw Ray playing the piano at the Black Elks Club in Seattle.

After signing with Swing Time Records in the late 40's, Ray Charles released two singles: “Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand,” and “Kissa Me Baby;” both songs reached the top 10 on recording charts. Swing Time Records went under, and Ray was signed to the famous Atlantic Records where his career took off. Ray's first hit was “Mess Around” in 1953, followed by “I Got a Woman,” in 1954; Ray received multiple negative comments and remarks during this time, due to the amount of “sacrilegious” material he was putting out. Ray's contract with Atlantic Records expired in 1959, and he was signed with ABC-Paramount Records immediately after. The state song of Georgia, “Georgia on My Mind,” was his first single to be released under the new record.

Throughout his career, Ray Charles released multiple albums. Charles also had multiple run-in's with the law, but that did not stop his success. After agreeing to go to Rehab, Ray Charles came back stronger than ever. In the 1980's, Ray began reaching a younger audience by appearances and performances on film and live television. Ray Charles performed at two US Presidential inaugurations: Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Two weeks after the 9/11 attacks, Ray performed before game 2 during the World Series, performing “America the Beautiful.” In 2003, Ray was the main act for the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were in attendance. Ray also presented Van Morrison with an award, upon being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“I went to three concerts that Ray performed,” said Pritchett. “Twice at Florida State University and once in Valdosta. I got to him and I asked him 'R.C., why won't you come back to Greenville?”

Ray responded, “I've told you how to get in touch with me.”

Pritchett expressed that if it were not for Ray's manager, Joe Adams, Ray would have come home, to Greenville. “If it didn't involve money,” said Pritchett. “Joe Adams wouldn't approve it. Nothing got past Joe.” Pritchett found a blind woman in Valdosta who translated her letters into braille, so Ray would be able to read them. “He never received them.” expressed Pritchett.

Ray performed in Alexandria, Va., on July 20, 2003, but no one knew it would be his last. Ray never canceled tour until that summer, when his hip was giving him issues. Hip replacement surgery was performed on Dec. 4, 2003. Though it was a successful surgery, other issues came along that prevented him from continuing to tour like he had planned.

At the very end of April of 2004, friends, family and citizens showed up to the professional home of Ray Charles in Los Angeles, Ca., and designated the studio as a historic landmark. Reports were that Ray's condition was deteriorating, and he was barely speaking, but his minister, Mable John said otherwise. “He's maintaining his routine. He'll never give up his routine,” said John, referring to recording and working. “He's determined. He can't be any other way.”

Ray attended the ceremony in a wheelchair. He was helped from his chair by his manager, Joe Adams. It is said that he used all he could to speak; his words were mumbled and barely audible.

The last words the public heard from Ray was, “I'm weak,” he said, “but I'm getting stronger.”

On June 10, 2004, Ray Charles passed away peacefully in his home in Beverly Hills, Ca. His family and his friends were present at the time he died.

Pritchett knew that she had to do something to make people aware of Ray's roots in Greenville.

In 2006, a bronze statue was unveiled of Ray Charles at Haffye Hayes Park, in Greenville. “Oh! What really struck me was that foot of his, like he was dancing,” said Pritchett in an article, “That's him. When he was playing, he'd be into it and that foot of his would be off the pedal.” Four of Ray's children were in attendance.

Also in 2006, Ray's childhood home was scheduled for demolition due to the lack of service the house had. Pritchett, who was the mayor of Greenville at the time, was able to receive the funds to restore the home. The reconstruction was completed in 2009. The childhood home of Ray is located at 443 SW Ray Charles Ave., in Greenville.

“This is Ray Charles' home. Greenville,” said Pritchett, “He walked these sand roads with no shoes on. The people here now, the younger generation; I wanted them to know [that].”

Coming from a poverty-stricken home, Ray knew what it was like to not have much, but he always had hope. His hope took him to the top.

“Just because you can't see anything,” said Ray, “doesn't mean you should close your eyes.”

To schedule a tour of Ray Charles' boyhood home, you may call the Greenville Town Hall, in Greenville, Fl., at (850) 948-2251.

**All photos submitted