Brother Ray

Ray Charles' Own Story

By: Ray Charles, David Ritz

Narrated by: Andrew L. Barnes

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)

his life was amazing

a lot of cursing! very graphic..I enjoyed it very much!..if you are a fan of Ray you will love it

Strength

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

Very Candid

Recommended if you really want to know Brother Ray, but be prepared for his candor. He makes no excuses and offers no apologies for his choices. His was a fascinating life and he was an amazing talent. I thought I knew something about him, but how little I knew was revealed with this memoir.

Very enlightening

This book was very interesting if a bit graphic. I had seen the movie & it got me interested to learn more about Ray Charles & this book satisfied my curiosity. Great narrator.

I appreciate his gifts...

Ray Charles was undoubtedly a gifted, driven person. He grew from a childhood rich in love, poor in material security. He rose above the challenges life presented him. He lived life on his own terms and with total disregard of the people in his life that lived him. I did not like the guy. His objectifying and verbiage describing women is disgusting and vile. The other painted a clear picture of this very human man.

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.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS

I truly enjoyed this book. I felt like some of the more "juicier" details of his life were omitted, but that was "their right". The most memorable part to me was the way the author described the end of Ray's life.
Ray's strength in face of adversity should motivate others to do more to advance in life.

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.

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 🙌😮‍💨

Brother Ray. All Day!!!

This is one for the ages. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed. 5 out of 5 stars.