I just got done this Fall with a run of dates with Mr. John Scofield on a Ray Charles tribute bill. Man was it fun! Everything was solid and the dates turned out really cool.
I was so happy to be able to sing Ray’s songs live and in person for people around the country with such a great player like John. My songs were 'I Can't Stop Loving You,' 'I Got a Man,' 'Georgia On My Mind,' and of course 'I'll Take You There.' In Providence, RI I also sang on 'What I Say;' and we were set to play outside on the Mall in DC but the weather forced us inside. But we had big fun with Sco' and hopefully we can do it again.
Got me thinking about Brother Ray...first time I had the pleasure of meeting him in person was about 1959. We weren't on the same show, but staying in the same hotel. Much to my surprise he had heard our music. He said to me, “So! You're that little girl with the big voice.” I must have turned three different colors from blushing.
We saw Brother Ray many times after that meeting. Either we'd meet on the road or he'd be in Chicago. One of the times when he was appearing in Chicago, Pops invited him to dinner. He told Pops he wanted a home-cooked meal. My Mom laid it out for him. She said the best soul singer deserved the best soul food.
For dessert Moms made some of her sweet potato pies. When Brother Ray started eating the pie, he began to rock. He rocked from side to side. Told Moms, “Now sister, we could start a franchise with these sweet potato pies. We could make small ones, big ones, and make us a fortune!” Moms gave him a pie to take back to the hotel.
He invited us to his home when we were in California. He blew our minds showing us that he could ride his Mo-Ped around the block and back. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it!
