Ray Charles songs
America The Beautiful page Ray Charles sang his own version of America The Beautiful at Reagans confirmation as it's candidate for the second time 20 years ago at the Republican Convention at Dallas.
Ray Charles treatment of the anthem brought the house down. Here was a black man raised in abject Southern poverty serenading the richest most powerful people in America at the coronation of their leader.
In the same article, Reagan is honoured for his willingness to acknowledge greatness in political rivals. At a time when the late JFK's reputation was
was being attacked by historians Reagan never ceased to elevate JFK into the pantheon of great US leaders.
By doing so , he removed the poison lingering from in Kennedy's assassination from American life.
While Reagan was undoubtedly Right Wing, his appeal was across the board.
Mr Charles said later it was just a job like any other. He didn't get involved in politics.
[ June 15, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]
[ June 15, 2004: Message edited by: Helen Thomas ]