When I started to sing like myself - as opposed to imitating Nat Cole, which I had done for a while - when I started singing like Ray Charles, it had this spiritual and churchy, this religious or gospel sound. It had this holiness and preachy tone to it. It was very controversial. I got a lot of criticism for it.
Interpretation
Embracing one's unique style can lead to both inspiration and criticism.
Ray Charles reflects on his journey of artistic self-discovery, illustrating that true expression requires stepping away from imitation and embracing one's authentic voice. This transition not only connects deeply with spirituality and gospel roots but also invites scrutiny from critics, highlighting the challenges artists face when they dare to be original.
In practice
During an interview about his creative process, an artist might mention this quote to emphasize the importance of finding one's own voice.
I suppose I've always done my share of crying, especially when there's no other way to contain my feelings. I know that men ain't supposed to cry, but I think that's wrong. Crying's always been a way for me to get things out which are buried deep, deep down. When I sing, I often cry. Crying is feeling, and feeling is being human. Oh yes, I cry.
I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great.
To me, music is entertainment - what else can it be? In fact, it's the only language I know of that's universal.
Just because you can't see anything , doesn't mean you should shut your eyes.
Any artist, when he goes in to record, should have the feeling that any song he records can be a hit. This may sound egotistical, but it makes sense.
The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.
The curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale. You may be poor, you may have only a ramshackle house, you may have lost your job, but that song gives you hope.
When I die, they'll bury the blues with me. But the blues will never die.
I never saw myself as a folk singer.
I always say that the problem with jazz accessibility is not the content of the music, it's people's ability to access it.
I love to play. And fortunately, I don't know a lot of musicians that suck. I know a bunch of really good ones, and they're always up for playing.
I've never thought about songwriting as a weapon. I've only thought about it as a way to help me get through love and loss and sadness and loneliness and growing up.
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