Goodnight Ray

About 10 years ago while waiting for a friend I was sitting in a hotel lobby on one of those circular benches with a planter in the center. At first I didn't really notice the older gentleman sitting next to me. After a minute or so, I glanced to my right and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Ray Charles. He was wearing his dark sunglasses and looked like just a little older version of the trademark Ray Charles I remembered. I wasn't quite sure how to address him or, honestly, whether he even knew I was sitting there. So I just said "Mr. Charles?", he said "yes"... and we began to chat. He asked me a little bit about myself. Then we just talked about music. I asked him something about Willie Nelson's cover of "Georgia". Just small talk about music, but I couldn't believe I was sitting there talking with Ray Charles, one of the most recognizable and talented musicians of all time. He was wonderfully friendly and seemed genuinely interested in our conversation. I was amazed there weren't a hundred people crowded around. He talked to me with a big smile and he swayed back and forth a bit, just as I remembered from TV. I've met famous musicians and celebrities, but a quiet conversation with a living legend is something different altogether. After a few minutes of just chatting about music and what Ray was up to, I told him what a pleasure it was to meet him. He shook my hand, smiled and thanked me. As I walked away, someone finally noticed he was sitting there and a crowd gathered around the bench. I certainly didn't know Ray Charles, but I was fortunate to meet him once.

Ray Charles
1930-2004