I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't been able to hear.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the profound impact that hearing has had on Ray Charles's life and artistry, suggesting that it enabled him to overcome challenges.
Ray Charles, an iconic musician who was blind, emphasizes the crucial role that hearing played in his life. His ability to hear not only shaped his musical genius but also allowed him to connect deeply with the world around him, showcasing the significance of the senses in navigating life's challenges and finding one's passion.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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.
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.
I believe in a passion for inclusion.
I remember the first time seeing myself on TV, when my family was watching the documentary 'Eyes on the Prize' for the first time. There were pictures of people going up the school stairs, and Mom said, 'Oh, that's you!' I said, 'I can't believe this. This is important.'
There is, for me, as a black woman, as an African woman, a sense of possibility in America that I don't feel when I'm in Europe.
I think every teenager is a hero. When we are young we feel so much pain. Go to school is like going to war, people let you down all the time. Sometimes it's very, very difficult to stay strong, but you have to.
You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way.
If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.
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