Ray Charles performs "America the Beautiful"

[@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!

[@michaelwarrick5345]

Amen

[@lauraluffman6177]

Amen completely agree ray did this song priceless it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@JEBPsych]

100%.

[@lauraluffman6177]

@@mtj4life completely agree 💯

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@bullpolitics]

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?

[@daveklein2826]

You are an idiot.....millions have pride for America and are more proud than ever...... It's negative people like you that are the problem

[@kbelle8700]

Me too.

[@roberthenryeller]

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

[@CjSalch]

❤ Facts ❤️

[@sybiltabb9999]

I agree....

[@Colin_1977]

I was there - upper deck along the third base line. My college girlfriend and I were in tears at the end. God bless the USA. 🇺🇸

[@schillersam]

I was there too! I called my grandpa from a payphone right after just to call him. I don't even remember the game but I remember this

[@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.

[@greenbaylikerem]

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

[@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.

[@KYExtemper]

He sang this at WrestleMania II as well in 1986.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@DavidVegas-n7z]

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.

[@jaygee1616]

Who talks about a civil war? Stop watching CNN

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jim-py8ur]

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

[@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.

[@marilynfosseen1541]

I just adore this guy.

[@lawrencecross1121]

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

[@JeremyA-li7uz]

❤ and soul of AMERICA

[@franksmathers7742]

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

[@dorothymcgee9871]

Brother back there just cheering. Love it.

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Dorothy How are you doing today?

[@janetdevries4208]

Love you forever Ray ❤❤

[@janetdevries4208]

America too❤❤

[@sjs928]

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

[@nathanfike7755]

Got that right

[@MrWallybones]

Very well said! ✌

[@RamonaHaygood]

AMEN.

[@ginagarrison5339]

Amen ❤

[@coalminerssoninnc]

An amazing singer. Love his music - national treasure!

[@chazmccrea8451]

Ray, We as a country need you more than ever. Your voice has touched millions, we need your example, we need your soul.

[@meme9219]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@C_P_B]

Wow. Just wow. This is perfection. Truly hard to to believe this is real… Hard to not be choked up…

[@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.

[@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.

[@gericonnors8534]

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

[@shadow6543]

There is so much heart and soul to this version of really captures the spirit of our country. Brings a year to my eye without fail. I love Frank Sinatra’s version as well but this version is just perfect. God bless 🙏🇺🇸

[@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!

[@dannystranahan1004]

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

[@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

[@karlambert4976]

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

[@MrWallybones]

Amen brother!

[@jaygee1616]

He’s one of the greats Theirs a handful of them he’s definitely top 5

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@douglasroyce5631]

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

[@bassreeves1838]

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

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

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

[@stephanieclements2490]

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

[@Komani115]

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

[@helpoj]

Theres something special about the fact that every time they called Ray to sing the national anthem he sang this instead. And since him, its never been done again. For me its like the hanging of a legendary jersey

[@throngcleaver]

This video should be played before every NFL game.

[@bennettbriles]

Anyone else have this song playing in their head all day today?

[@user-qt1km2qn7i]

All day 🙏🏼 🇺🇸

[@JEBPsych]

Yes. That's why I'm here. ❤❤❤

[@beringtoloru60]

The beauty that is Ray Charles. His voice and inflection never matched. What he was able to accomplish in the US was with no doubt with difficulty. His life in his hey day was no picnic, but also was he no picnic. Therein lies the beauty of the US to lift up, then let those lifted up do what they may.

[@taydafranklin7800]

his reaction at the end is priceless awesome awesome stuff here

[@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.

[@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.

[@hawkrider88]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@lukemusa2687]

Can’t help but think of the sandlot, one of my favorite scenes to this day

[@SD-th6jv]

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

[@princeshaad8540]

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

[@mr-l9609]

The greatest to ever sing this song!! ❤🇺🇸

[@Rjl41]

Incredible Ray Charles, the Genius!!!!

[@xfreedmen7020]

THIS SHOULD BE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM! POINTBLANK PERIOD!!!!!

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@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 !

[@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.

[@jeremyparmonangan]

im indonesian and im tearing up best respect

[@MichaelKervin-d8c]

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

[@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!

[@constanceandrews6179]

Frank Sinatra sung "New York, New York" and Ray Charles ended with "America The Beautiful" (in New York). I always looked at New York as the Capital of the Country. She (New York) has the "Lady" with the forever burning Torch in one hand and the book of Liberty in the other. New York always carries the weight of this Country and I believe she will get this Country through this craziness that it's people are suffering. May God have mercy on America. Thank you Lord for songs sung by Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles to remind us what kind of people the Americans are.

[@TheFever77]

His reaction at the end is just priceless.

[@BRuane-pw6xq]

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

[@theMatch111]

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

[@bperry573]

He figured out that the soundtrack was ahead of him and instantly recovered. This man was incredible for that and so many more reasons

[@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 🙏🏽

[@Lawhead64]

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. 😢

[@GaryHanlon-ee7xw]

Willie Nelson sang and cried at this Gentleman's funeral service. We are One on this planet. Be kind, hold a door give a smile ❤❤🙏🙏

[@mikehaws3187]

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

[@smartass2st]

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

[@724riff]

all those flashes were not cellphones ,, and all those people were not of color cheering they were from all colors cheering a man a country and a way of life , no politics separating people .

[@therazzi6018]

Mine Too!❤

[@jeremiahfitzwinkle323]

Agreed! I also like to say that in those camera shots panning the crowd there wasnt one democrat or one rebublican in that stadium. Like you said.......(Ive always felt that this should replace the current national anthem)

[@Fugazinome]

Having immigrated 60 years ago to the USA,still getting teary eyed when listening to this performance.

[@angelbaby55992]

This should be the national anthem

[@honeyfrost3355]

Yes.

[@jonesrick1]

Best part was Mr. Charles' reaction to the crowd's reaction to his emotional rendition of the SPB. Thumbs up!

[@UnkleAce]

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

[@cyndiyates9325]

When America still made sense 💯💗🇺🇸💯💗🇺🇸💯💗🇺🇸

[@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.

[@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 !!!!!!!

[@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..

[@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!

[@gsisemore]

Ray Charles really is the Goat

[@jbstonesfan]

God bless America and Ray Charles.

[@megsley]

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

[@msemaj]

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

[@subjectively-observered]

We must rekindle love and unity. United not divided.

[@roberttrepagnier9149]

Greatest version of this song EVER

[@bobbym.2130]

SING IT, Ray!!! 🎶 🎵 🪕 🎼

[@stevenbalmer3293]

My absolute favorite video. Cry every time.

[@leftymariano1020]

I cried. No bs. No matter how much i complain about certain things in our society with the way certain things are, I thank the Lord every single day that Im an American. Born and bred through and through. So many ppl have it worse than us and we should all thank God that we live in a great place of refuge 💯