Think there will ever be a phrase as expressive as "Hit the road, Jack"?
Posted by: Rob at June 10, 2004 04:17 PMHe was my favorite singer for a long time. His recordings from the past fifteen years or so are terrible, at least those I heard before giving up on them, but his voice stayed intact. Such joy there. I've never believed his renditions of sad songs, because he always sounds indomitable. Put him together with something optimistic, though, and he's electrifying. Even as cheesy a song as "We Are The World" -- when he takes over the lead, it isn't sappy anymore, it's inspirational. I've listened to that section hundreds of times, and I still get chills.
Posted by: CityIslandMichael at June 10, 2004 04:58 PMOne of my all time favorites as well. One of the great American musical talents of all time. I miss him already.
Posted by: CW at June 10, 2004 06:33 PMJust remembered one of my favorite Ray-related moments in movies: The Dream Team when "Hit the Road Jack" comes on.
Posted by: CityIslandMichael at June 10, 2004 11:03 PMI got to see him a few years ago in Providence - he was amazing! My daughter and I have been talking for the past couple of years about having her dance a lyrical solo to his version of Kermit the Frog's "It's Not Easy Being Green". It's an amazing piece.
Posted by: Betsy at June 11, 2004 06:32 AMWhat may be my favorite recording of his, "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'," is available on this CD. You can hear an excerpt here. Highly recommended.
Posted by: CityIslandMichael at June 11, 2004 06:18 PM