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.
Interpretation
Embracing one's unique style can lead to both inspiration and criticism.
Ray Charles reflects on his journey of artistic self-discovery, illustrating that true expression requires stepping away from imitation and embracing one's authentic voice. This transition not only connects deeply with spirituality and gospel roots but also invites scrutiny from critics, highlighting the challenges artists face when they dare to be original.
In practice
During an interview about his creative process, an artist might mention this quote to emphasize the importance of finding one's own voice.
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.
The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.
I want to see 10 female rappers getting regular rotation. It can't be all about a man's opinion.
To me, a great drummer isn't always about somebody with chops who can shred. A great drummer is someone who is part of a great band.
The Official Bulletin declared that the Poles should be as proud of me as the Germans are of Mozart; obvious nonsense.
We were never a band that did 96 takes of the same thing. I had heard of groups that were into that kind of excess around that time. They'd work on the same track for three or four days and then work on it some more, but that's clearly not the way to record an album. If the track isn't happening and it creates some sort of psychological barrier, even after an hour or two, then you should stop and do something else. Go out: go to the pub, or a restaurant or something. Or play another song.
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Rock and roll isn't a career or hobby - it's a life force ... it's just something I have to do.
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