Ray    FilmLottm

Growing up in rural Georgia, Ray Charles lived with his single mother and brother until traumatically witnessing his younger brother’s accidental drowning.  Charles went blind at the age of seven but remained inspired by his mother who insisted he make his own way in the world and never think of himself as a cripple. Although blind, Charles found his calling and his gift as a musician, specifically a piano player and songwriter.

The film mainly focuses on his early musical career, touring across the Southern musical circuit.  The time period between working as a struggling musician and then exploding into a worldwide famous singer is portrayed in Ray.  The movie explains how Charles pioneered incorporating numerous musical styles - gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences - into his unique and soulful music. Ray provides a portrait of Charles' musical brilliance as he overcomes drug addiction and segregation issues.

Ray is directed by Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman); screenplay by James L. White, from a story by Hackford and White; and produced by Hackford, Stuart Benjamin, Howard Baldwin and Karen Baldwin.