Pages

10 October 2010

Black Requiem - The Quincy Jones / Ray Charles Masterpiece That Never Was Released (1971, 1988, 1992) (Cont'd)


On 20 July 1976 Quincy Jones published a column in The Baltimore Afro-American, where he shed some more light on the genesis of Black Requiem (read earlier article here), revealing that the work went back to a vow he and Ray made when they were together in Seattle (i.e. 1947/1949):
"Back when Ray and I were just kids, we talked about performing a classical, gospel, jazz and operatic composition together. We even went so far as to vow that one day we would do it. Then in 1971, it happened. As part of the celebration of Ray's 20th year in show business, we performed my composition "Black Requiem" with the 80-piece Houston Symphony orchestra. The piece depicted the musical struggle of blacks from the time they entered the slave ships into the period of compensation.
From there it went into the aera of Dr. Martin Luher King Jr., and passive resistance to the period of militancy and lastly, into the era of hope for the future."
Personal note to Ms. Valerie Ervin and Mr. Quincy Jones:
a. Find back that tape. b. Add that oomph. c. Release that record.
Please!

02 October 2010

Ray Charles Fundraising For Unicef In Italy (1988)

In November 1988 Ray Charles was in Rome for two days, on the 17th and the 18th. On the first day he did a regular show in the Palazzetto dello Sport. His concert on the 18th, at the same sport palace, may have been part of something bigger; it was described as a performance "for Unicef to raise funds to vaccinate African children", that was broadcast live. Source here.

Who knows more about any broadcast?

01 October 2010

Ray Charles Ft. In Takin' It From The Top (1982)

Press materials here.

On 31 December 1982 Channel 7 (WLS-TV) celebrated New Year's eve with Takin' It From The Top (at the 95th floor of the John Hancock's Center, and from some other locations in Chicago). Robb Weller hosted. Ray Charles guested.

Who knows more about the contents of the show?