If you never got to see Ray Charles live, you may find some solace in watching this outstanding complete performance from 1981. Apparently, Charles gave this performance at Edmonton’s Jubilee Auditorium on January 27, 1981. The show features the Edmonton Symphony backing up Charles.
This video was originally released on laserdisc and videotape and entitled, An Evening With Ray Charles: With Sid Feller conducting the ITV Concert Orchestra. The orchestra name in the title was another name used by the Edmonton Symphony, and conductor Sid Feller was well-known for his great work with Charles.
After the opening song, “Riding Thumb,” the setlist includes songs such as “Busted,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” and “What’d I Say” before closing with “America the Beautiful.” 2024 UPDATE: Unfortunately, the entire concert video is no longer online, but you can check out Charles performing “Take These Chains From My Heart” from the same concert.
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