“What’s a white boy like you doin’ here?”
I was once asked that question by a fella I was sitting next to at a Ray Charles concert in 1962.
I did take note of the fact that my date, a pretty and petite blonde, and I were very much in the racial minority among those who were gathered there that night. It was well worth the price of the tickets, if for nothing more than to hear Brother Ray and see the Raelettes close the show with about a fifteen minute rendition of “What’d I Say.” Note I said, “See the Raelettes.”
Recently I watched the movie, “Ray,” starring Jamie Fox as Ray Charles. Fox is outstanding in his performance as Ray Charles. It’s a good story, but even more impressive is Fox’s performance.
Do yourself a favor. Pick up a cd of Ray Charles and Bonnie Raitt doing the song, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” If you haven’t been in a recent state of depression that song may help provide you a road to such or at least with a window.
You know, most folks just sing a song, but there are a few that “deliver” a song. Charles and Raitt have a lot of postage stamped on this effort.
Do I ever cross your mind, darlin’ do you ever see
some situation somewhere, somehow triggers your memory
and do you ever wonder what became of all the time
and darlin’do I ever, ever cross your mind
Do I ever cross your mind uninvited when you’re lonely
or does that only, only happen to me,
and don’t you ever wonder what became
of all the time and darlin’ do I ever, ever cross your mind
Have you ever wondered or wanted to ask that question?
May 18, 2011
Keep on,
Larry Adamson