I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't been able to hear.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the profound impact that hearing has had on Ray Charles's life and artistry, suggesting that it enabled him to overcome challenges.
Ray Charles, an iconic musician who was blind, emphasizes the crucial role that hearing played in his life. His ability to hear not only shaped his musical genius but also allowed him to connect deeply with the world around him, showcasing the significance of the senses in navigating life's challenges and finding one's passion.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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.
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.
I believe in the sun, even when it rains.
There is an appropriate way to use your story, not as an excuse but as a testimony to God's ability to free you from the past.
What the world need is people who have come alive.
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
There is power in seeing a face that looks like yours do something, be someone. There is power in moving from the sidelines to the center.
Brothers and sisters of Egypt, you have given the world the most precious gift: the belief that ultimately right will prevail.
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