Ray Charles performs "America the Beautiful"

10/28/01: Ray Charles performs "America the Beautiful" prior to Game 2 of the World Series
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[@edh_alters7116]

Man I miss the days when America took pride in itself and had amazingly inspiring and passionate moments like this.

[@jeremygjonaj1487]

I miss the days when Americans loved America and were proud to be Americans, too.

[@chrishart-williams6432]

Can’t wait for the days when, conservatives loose power, and Black ppl, the descendants of the enslaved, can enjoy this country equally. Go KAMALA!

[@bcoby107]

No disrespect, but I’m sick of this notion that people don’t love this country anymore. Why would people waste their time criticizing something or someplace they hate? Every American is invested in the country becoming the best possible version of itself for ALL of its citizens. If your kid starts acting up and you correct them, do you not love them anymore?

[@randyhelms7335]

I was the one holding the American Flag in the color guard. I still get goose bumps listening to this.

[@usmarinevmaq-2johnvmaq-231]

Randy Helms Randy, Thank You For Your Service, from one Veteran to another. Proud of You

[@johnsydneywright2028]

I'd like to thank both of you men for your service to this nation,and as the father of an active duty Marine"may I say that this country is still worth fighting for. This nation is still the place where dreams can come true. Idk how we get the adults back in control"but the sooner the better

[@cvcoco]

randy helms thank YOU!

[@mikeysawchyn9415]

Thank you for holding our flag high when we really needed it as a country you may not know this but you're a hero

[@SocialAssasin]

wow what an honor. You earned it! Had to be one of your greatest experiences.

[@mtj4life]

Ray Charles didn't sing that with his voice, he sang that with his soul. Hands down the greatest rendition of America the Beautiful

[@MrWallybones]

Agreed!

[@jefs726]

A man who never seen America but felt it with his heart and soul!

[@kystars]

well no doubt, Ray did have vision up until age 6 I believe. I saw him in an interview on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. 2 great Americans! He said when you mentioned colors, he knew what they were. So he did have vision up until that age. He could see until that age. :) But overall you were correct with your statement sir. :)

[@remybuxaplenti7185]

best comment

[@williamfarman5651]

Well said

[@toddmiller243]

Amen

[@sjs928]

If THIS doesn’t move our souls , we arent human

[@marypoppins7360]

I would give anything to see our country united like this again.

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Mary How are you doing today?

[@GaryBoesel-op6yz]

Im sorry but this was before Obama and his divisive whife

[@nickatnite16]

@@GaryBoesel-op6yz shut up

[@Sean-ek4hf]

We can’t let the media divide us!

[@momohojoman]

​@@GaryBoesel-op6yzYou mean this was before PRESIDENT OBAMA and bigots like you.

[@Jim-py8ur]

Ray Charles sings "America" from his soul, and with love for the USA!

[@sjs928]

When a blind man sees more than most …. A NATIONAL TREASURE

[@nathanfike7755]

Got that right

[@MrWallybones]

Very well said! ✌

[@RamonaHaygood]

AMEN.

[@ginagarrison5339]

Amen ❤

[@matthewserdynski1699]

Im 33 and im not ashamed to admit that i sat in my computer chair and just cried like a little baby listening to this. Such a wonderful, heart felt version of a song sung by a man who loved his country, and though he couldn't see with his eyes, he could feel the love of his fans. RIP Ray Charles.

[@XxhacksdefealtxX]

i actually cried too. it’s been years since i’ve shed tears

[@michaelbentt3018]

Matthew Serdynski It does that to you doesn't it? Whew!

[@wlkbeastmode-issiap.346]

It's Big God Love!!

[@tpstrato2270]

[@erom1217]

Amen! I with you on that.

[@roberthenryeller]

Since he first sang his version, Ray Charles OWNS "America the Beautiful." Forever and ever. Amen.

[@CjSalch]

❤ Facts ❤️

[@sybiltabb9999]

I agree....

[@jamescummings6703]

The American Anthem forreal. As a Vet, this song makes me cry.

[@josephcastro736]

Thank you so much for your service. God Bless you and God Bless America.

[@Finn_MacCool]

In America a blind old black man could be, and was, a king. All bowed and knelt to Sir Charles greatness that day, and were the lucky few to be in his presence.

[@franksmathers7742]

that''s the real America - with SOUL !!!!

[@user-hj1kr5fi1d]

I was there! And at game 7. We as a nation stood together side by side with so much pride. and to think 20s later, there was talk of civil war. Such a sad day. I'm miss that day we all stood with pride and love. 😢

[@gratefuldude5676]

Me too. We were supposed to be a “Nation indivisible”, but now we are so divided. I just want every American who might read this to know that whether I agree with your politics or not, you are my fellow American and I love you. We gotta ditch these partisan politics and come together.

[@jasonchoiniere6867]

This is the America I miss so much.... This was the America I wanted my kids to know... God bless us all, please

[@cathylynn1382]

And God bless you, Jason. This is the America I miss 😢

[@jasonchoiniere6867]

@@cathylynn1382 You too Cathy thank you for that. I'm hoping someday we can back to times like these, We could ALL use it right now

[@fryavanbosh3563]

Its passing time . America is not the beautiful land anymore ! It is the land of the corrupte politici .

[@GaryBoesel-op6yz]

Obama and divisive WiFe said no.

[@DFSelkirk]

Ray Charles reaction to the crowd at the end is priceless. He could not see because he was blind but could hear the reaction of the crowd and this might have been the largest audience he ever performed before, and he was moved with emotion.

[@herostatus]

Was Ray not one of the coolest people in history. He was so happy to hear the cheers after the song.

[@cvcoco]

+herostatus And I was happy for him being so happy.

[@jbrewster1660]

He felt the love! Rightfully so. Legendary American... Inspiring a nation with the sound of his voice.

[@michaelbentt3018]

herostatus I've watched this myself a few times. And this is an epic moment in time. When the camera pans to Joe Torre he's tries hard not to let what he is hearing,seeing and feeling overcome him. Whew! And Ray Charlie's complete delight in the audiences response to his work is simply astoundingly and otherworldly beautiful. America the beautiful, indeed.

[@guy-tn2ud]

Ray was so cool, just a beautiful man.

[@elizadoolittle7647]

Who cannot love this man!!

[@meme9219]

no one i mean no one ever sang this song better than this man

[@joeyk606]

This is a man who bared headfirst through racism of the 50s & 60s to create the first “American” music ever, soul music. And did it all with a smile. This is a county that just began recovering from the single most deadly attack on its soil in generations. This man and this country came together for this moment. This video is more powerful than it may seem.

[@neecyboyd9116]

If this doesn't make every American stop, bow your head and feel love then I don't know what to say. So heartfelt. This man has been blind the majority of his life and he still has so much joy and happiness in his life.

[@samuelsithole2698]

I am not from America but every time I hear this song,it makes me love America.. This is like a national Anthem.. True love for America by Mr Charles

[@quaaludecowboy692]

Love you too🤙🇺🇲💙

[@lasallsa3480]

Went to school there, and feel the same. I love their patriotism.

[@mikeroki3626]

After the fiasco at the HR derby last night, MLB should just play a recording of Ray doing this song. It never gets old and it's always perfect.

[@karlambert4976]

I do think that Ray Charles is the greatest performer this country has ever known.

[@MrWallybones]

Amen brother!

[@petrac.3141]

Can we just get back to this already?? Absolutely beautiful!! This is the country I seen growing up and loving! Quit trying to sell us a lie. We ain't buying it! Our children deserve this country! This is America the Beautiful!

[@jasonmachac9414]

I was lucky to be at that game, I had chills then and still have chills now

[@sjs928]

... Wow...great to be there I'm sure.. SOOO, what's up with those people ? I'd be singin and swayin to that and they're just like zombies...go figure.

[@piratemacfan]

I was lucky to be at my TV watching. I had chills then and still have chills now.

[@mukumbosimpito1571]

I wish I had that opportunity lucky you

[@darolsouza4005]

@@sjs928 They are mesmerized. You can't sing along with Ray!

[@WinsideLG]

How could you dislike this? I mean really. Nobody can do it better!

[@kevind3619]

most importantly they ain't americans

[@sisuboy]

Morons or racist assholes.

[@nomadnametab]

muslims and their communist allies

[@proudcynophile1901]

This should be our national anthem. It should be performed in Ray Charles style. Katherine Lee Bates was a teacher poet and scholar NOT a slave owner. Colin Kapernik and Nike are not disrespecting America. Just protesting against racism and social injustice. It's time for change!

[@thenerdnetwork]

Proud, I completely disagree with you. He completely desecrated our flag, our servicemen, women, and our country. The use of the platform he was given to perform this sacrilege should never be forgotten or forgiven. He absolutely disrespected every American, everyone who works to make this country better and protect our country from threats... foreign.. and domestic. He may have been trying to shine a spotlight on this "racism and social injustice", but he went about it all wrong. There is no way you should disrespect the entire nation because of the actions of law enforcement. And in reality, if African Americans are being mistreated by officers, they should stop trying to resist this "racism" and "profiling" when confronted by law enforcement. I strongly believe nowadays that they think they are invisible, and they are sorely mistaken, and they are dying because of this thought. These fights are not won on the streets, they are won in the courts. And when you resist on the street, you may not be alive to make it to court.

[@HellhammerSS]

The Sandlot introduced me to this great man! Great movie too!

[@collinnc2001]

What a movie!!! I love it, I still cry when I hear this in that song

[@jaythompson807]

I was there that night, 47 days after 9/11, and am not ashamed to admit the tears flowed. They’re flowing again today. #46

[@gericonnors8534]

That is the soul of this country! Thank God for the talent of Ray Charles.

[@suzieparis6821]

ONE OF HIS BEST LIFE MOMENTS..NEVER SEEN HIM REACT SO JOYFULLY♡WHEN AMERICANS WERE AMERICANS

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Suzie How are you doing today?

[@susanasalinas8797]

I pray our country would go back to this!!

[@weksheddweller]

We can only dream 😞

[@richardmodglin3900]

@@weksheddweller America started off as a dream.

[@MrSamer83]

This will always be my favorite rendition of America The Beautiful!!! God Bless America and RIP Ray Charles

[@lauriesweetbrown5417]

Mine too it's hear singing not ego he helps me love this song,&this nation like when I was young and innocent again God bless us one&all!! Including the whole wide world&universe!!

[@ThunderFields]

2020: America is crumbling. Its good to see this long forgotten memory of when our country was united

[@tericolton521]

America will not crumble. There are true Americans still all across our great land. We WILL NOT give in and we WILL NOT back down. We WILL NOT fail our Country! We are here, waiting and watching and will rise up when we are needed. God Bless The USA!

[@michelemick1998]

This was after 9/11 and everyone was so united then. I am a New Yorker and I will never forget this. Also this New Yorker is voting for #trump2020.

[@LibertyTalkFM]

Land of the FREE & Home of the BRAVE of land of the mask & home of the slave? With the blessing of Divine Providence, the remnant shall rise & displace the sunshine patriots with the Winter Soldiers now necessary to save & restore the Republic from murderous authoritarian globalists. III% - Spirit of '76 - the Natural Liberty of Humanity shall not perish from this Earth. viva la Hong kong & Taiwan

[@mswarren112]

Just shared this on my fb page. Hope it sparks a patriotic revival like no other.

[@theshadowoftruth7561]

@@michelemick1998 America Wins! Trumpism loses!

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

the best rendition of the song, i cried all through it. long live Ray Charles

[@johnjohnson2855]

Back when it was still ok to love your country America. Now look at the shape she’s in. It’s time to stand for her and not be silenced or cancelled!!!

[@cjturner370]

Agree ❤

[@judys9083]

Heck yeah!!!!

[@angelbaby55992]

This should be the national anthem

[@honeyfrost3355]

Yes.

[@Mandelbrotmat]

This song, played this way, will ALWAYS be my anthem of my country. I never once felt moved by The star spangled banner, but this song can bring tears to my eyes. Every time.

[@douglasroyce5631]

To Mr. Ray Charles in heaven , just three words, THANK YOU SIR !

[@travisduarte6405]

I could watch this a hundred times. So much emotion at the end. The best!

[@teriskalky8932]

Yep, me too. I can listen to this version of this song every day & I have been. With all of the craziness going on in the world these days it makes me love America even more. God Bless Ray Charles may he rest in absolute peace knowing he sang the best version of this song ever.

[@huhwhut3772]

Me three!

[@tianzi49]

Senator McCain, "our true war hero" soaking it all in and appreciating every note and words flowing out in this song. I am sure he was welling up with all kinds of emotions, Especially in light of after his difficult ordeal as a POW in solitary confinement, light years away from the country, people and family he loved. What a juxtaposition of two true giants in American history - Uncle Ray and Senator McCain!

[@taydafranklin7800]

his reaction at the end is priceless awesome awesome stuff here

[@jacksofalot5420]

Mr. Charles. A man who was blind to color. A great American. Where are you Mr. Charles? We need you now more than ever.

[@huhwhut3772]

He's here in our hearts fellow patriot! & God Bless him for it!

[@ww8407]

Lol Ray Charles was not " blind" to color. He knew racism existed. Being colorblind is not a good thing.

[@hawkrider88]

Not easy singing that (or anything) with that kind of delay in the audio. God love you Ray.

[@nataliecellini059]

I didn't realize the date until midway through the song when I looked in the description. A little over a month after 9/11. Gave me the chills. What a beautiful voice Ray had ❤

[@Bizarrebirchdoesgame]

Seeing how happy he was to hear all of those cheers makes me happy, may he Rest In Peace

[@theMatch111]

HIs joy at the end is so pure, like sun on a rainy day, this version can be Americas anthem

[@GeorgiaRattlesnake]

75,000 views in four years?! Are you kidding me?! That’s a damn shame! I thought Ray Charles was the one greatest of all time. He’s singing America the Beautiful! This should have a lot more view than that! What’s wrong with you?!

[@eagleeyes5638]

Greetings. Such a true statement.

[@GeorgiaRattlesnake]

carren woods Thank you.

[@dontehill8410]

I agree..

[@nc732]

I'm longing for this again. I miss the love everyone had for our wonderful country. Will it ever return? I feel like time is passing by me and I'm in a standstill. I can't possibly be the only one out there feeling this way. 🇺🇸

[@richardmodglin3900]

No....you are not the only one.

[@MySweetAriane]

I hope so 🙏🏽

[@loripothead6987]

I just shared this tonight and said she’s missing, and we desperately need her back. I’m so depressed at what has happened to America. I hope it’s not too late. 😢

[@texasfan8892]

The best rendition of this song that has ever been done…period. One of those songs that not only makes you proud of this nation, but also makes you want to just kick back, close your eyes and smile.

[@stephanieclements2490]

Watching the jets fly overhead really hits it home for me... I get choked up every time

[@smartass2st]

He was such an amazing artist. There will never be another one like him.

[@SD-th6jv]

God done shed his grace on thee. You are so missed, Ray Charles

[@BRuane-pw6xq]

I think the best rendition of this great song. Ray Charles was a National Treasure . RIP Ray !

[@bassreeves1838]

2:22 John McCain looks in good shape, so classic

[@benitabrown7236]

Is anyone else watching this on July 4, 2020? I had NEEDED TO HEAR THIS TODAY!

[@Gonzoweirdo1]

I was

[@jamesmagers7634]

Watching today because it's Ray Charles. No one does it better.

[@elethaduffy976]

I'm watching on January 20, 2021!

[@nathanhamilton4930]

love this guy. a true American

[@cygma01]

what a performance! and to know it took place 2 weeks after the attack on the towers. I cried during this performance and when the towers fell. I am not even American and was moved to tears twice. God Bless America the Beautiful!

[@illinoisboy8577]

I cry every time i hear Ray sing this gorgeous song! Im so proud to be an American! God bless America forever and always!

[@drataa]

... Said the the f#*King racist !

[@throngcleaver]

This video should be played before every NFL game.

[@stevenbalmer3293]

My absolute favorite video. Cry every time.

[@marilynfosseen1541]

I just adore this guy.

[@catdog2706]

Always loved Mr Ray Charles God bless his soul

[@megsley]

I've always wanted "america the beautiful" to be our national anthem - what an incredible performance by Mr. Charles here ❤

[@macyjensen3390]

Only the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Gives me goosebumps. Especially at the end when he’s so emotional and thrilled about the jets flying over and the crowd going wild. An American treasure !

[@UnkleAce]

When United means something. I love you sir ray charles. Bless you

[@BrianD85]

Was not there this night, but saw him perform this at the Reflective Pool in D.C. for the 4th of July while the fireworks were going off and it was incredible.....

[@bivianocazares6919]

Still brings tears to my eyes

[@charlesgarner2177]

I got to see Ray in the late 80s . He was singing Georgia on my Mind and was rocking back and forth on his bench almost falling over with tears streaming down his face. It was a religious experience with the hairs on my neck standing straight up. I felt honored to be there.

[@johnsydneywright2028]

I'm a 53 year old man,and I have tears running after watching this for the millionth time. Lord have mercy, that man could SING... rip Mr Charles, and thank You,Lord,for giving him such incredible talent....

[@RocketmanRockyMatrix]

Mr Robinson

[@TheFever77]

His reaction at the end is just priceless.

[@ThinMint86]

My mom, grandfather, dad, and I sat in the furthest section from home plate at the very top of the ball park but this is one of my favorite memories. all the people I love, Ray Charles, and Randy Johnson pitching a shutout. perfection.

[@mayjahcon4662]

Everyone there witnessed something absolutely amazing that day

[@bizzy24100]

though Johnson fanned 11 Yankees 2 seal a Diamondbacks win, it could never top what Ray did here a moment our country really needed in our darkest hour. Many smiles on many fans but in some eyes there had 2 be tears.

[@princeshaad8540]

I know Ray in a better place. Rest easy king 👑

[@graybaby1962]

Get em Ray! It's never ageless! Every time I her him sing this I still get shivers up and down me. I know Ray is one of the angels now, but his rendition is the ultimate!

[@rickmays960]

I am amazed that 49 people thumbs down this.... My heart bursts with pride and thankfulness everytime I hear it....so there's alot of people lately who take offense to this country, flag, song, etc ....so if that's you case I'll gladly purchase you a one way ticket to another venue........be thankful to be an A M E R I C A N !!!!!!!

[@melanciafan]

Wow, beautiful how 1 person, if only for a night, brought a nation a little closer . 🇺🇸 Love of country incredibly conveyed through this American icon. (Yes tears did stream down my face, how could they not?). Rest in peace Mr. Charles. You live on in our hearts.

[@jbstonesfan]

God bless America and Ray Charles.

[@mutestingray]

I distinctly watching this on TV as a kid. Easy to see why this memory stuck in my mind.

[@sisuboy]

Brings me to tears every time. What a wonderful rendition . Randy, what a memory!

[@RobertDeMartin]

OMG! Whew! This was an example of why Ray Charles will never be forgotten. When he sings from his soul we can feel it and it is so special. I don't know how many people will see my comments but there is someone else in our world who touches our soul and our heart when she sings and her name is Angelina Jordan. If you like what Ray does to you when he sings, give a listen to Angelina and prepare yourself to ride on the same emotional train that both of them are on. God Bless America!

[@marksinger4415]

This wonderful music clearly reached much deeper than ears... it reached souls.

[@bobbym.2130]

SING IT, Ray!!! 🎶 🎵 🪕 🎼

[@nicoleloughney2574]

That is what our America is!! When Ray Charles sings that song, I get chills and emotion in my heart! This country should all be united as ONE!!!! We are all Americans!! United as one!!

[@monicabarnes1811]

Absolutely beautiful! I could listen to Ray Charles sing this over and over again!❤

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Monica How are you doing today?

[@ItsDPMikey]

Nothing but tears!!! I love AMERICA! And of-course the legend Ray Charles!

[@greenbaylikerem]

Thats why he's THE GENIUS.R.I.P Mr.Charles.

[@dannystranahan1004]

Ray Charles singing that was helping to make America great again. We're gonna keep pushing to make America great again people.

[@2godless]

We need this now more than ever.

[@mikehaws3187]

Ray charles wows america.. The fly over ending priceless...

[@lawrencecross1121]

Ray Charles, that standing ovation, love for county! God bless America!!

[@joebunch6557]

Ray was & always will be the man ! In this evil messed up yr of 2020 (thank god it's almost gone) never forget no matter how messed up it is right now, that we live in the greatest country in the world !! GOD BLESS AMERICA !!

[@Eb-dw3tq]

The way America treated him and he sings the song like that with so much love! Enough to make you cry your eyes out.😭😭😭

[@user-zy5dc9sd5l]

Beautiful...just beautiful!!! 💕

[@thegeelifestyle]

A performance for the ages. Happy memorial day. 2020.

[@johnelkins8182]

Rays a Legend.

[@conniefugueroa4087]

Nyc 🙏, from my dad army vet,we will never forget,2020 ,

[@dorothymcgee9871]

Brother back there just cheering. Love it.

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Dorothy How are you doing today?

[@janetdevries4208]

Love you forever Ray ❤❤

[@janetdevries4208]

America too❤❤

[@user-lm1co9it5l]

We can be that America again! Trust and love thy neighbor! Great Job Ray

[@maryjanecrochet]

I saw him in person in concert at a local college when I was in high school (Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1967 or 68)

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Mary How are you doing today?

[@msemaj]

Got me right in the feels when he stood up and took in the cheering from the crowd.

[@Vladie1987]

this should be played before all games

[@collinnc2001]

Yes