Swedish couple reacts to - Ray Charles performs "America the Beautiful" LIVE

[@dragonfly9209]

When it comes to singing "America The Beautiful"....no one can touch Ray Charles. It brings me to tears every time I hear him sing it. The heart and soul he projects into the song, with that amazing voice of his--it like no other.

[@doratiscareno5856]

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT WHY GIVE HIM PRAISE FOR CHANGING THE WORDS🇺🇸 THE NEANING AND NOT SINGING IT THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN👎 NO YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY WRONG PRAISING HIM SURE HES A GREAT SINGER I GIVE HIM THAT

[@breadmakerbreadmaker5283]

It is the same for me, dragonfly. I am in tears through the whole song every time I hear him singing it. There was no one in the world like the Great Ray Charles.

[@dragonfly9209]

@@doratiscareno5856 What are you talking about??? Not singing it the way it was written? I think you need to look up the words--it has more stanzas than you are aware of. He started out with the 3rd stanza about "heroes" first, as this performance was right after 911. Then he starts singing from the 1st stanza about "purple mountains majesty, on onward. He didn't CHANGE any words! All the verses he sang--ARE part of the song. Just one example of articles from the internet is below--one of many. It seems most Americans don't agree with YOU! According to Americans, his rendition of this song deserves HIGH PRAISE. One of the most popular ever! Sorry---but YOU are wrong on ALL counts! " Ray Charles is an American icon and when it comes to “America the Beautiful“, he knows how to do it right. His performance is absolutely beautiful and as you listen it just takes your breath away. The iconic and highly popular version of the song is one of the most recognized versions, and as you hear Ray play the piano and sing, you can understand why. It’s an amazing rendition of the song that gives you chills as you listen." It's not just me praising him for this song--everybody does. Except YOU! So educate yourself, take a chill pill, and show some maturity and stop yelling. We Americans will continue to give Ray Charles the great praise he deserves for his beautifully uplifting performance of this song.

[@dragonfly9209]

@@breadmakerbreadmaker5283 ♥♥

[@dcg4mn]

It’s true. Only some great songs get a rendition that becomes universally agreed in the music world to be THEE definitive version, all others pale by comparison. A masterpiece that may someday be equaled, but it will never be surpassed. Louis Armstrong singing What a Beautiful World is another, and kd lang’s Hallelujah at the Olympics in Canada.

[@richardmodglin3900]

Yeah....Ray Charles helped heal a hurting nation that night following 9-11. Great reaction!

[@Stephanie-ik1vq]

To give more context, this was from the 2001 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. It was the delayed World Series just after 9/11 which made the performance even more poignant. It was performed at Bank One Ballpark (now called Chase Field) in Phoenix, Arizona. I live just about a mile (1.6 km) from the stadium, and while I didn't get to go to the game, I did see the flyover as it flew almost right over my house. I remember watching the game on TV and seeing that performance, and then hearing the flyover coming. I ran outside to see it, and under the circumstances I burst into tears.

[@HappyValleyDreamin]

I remember watching the fighter jets patrolling the city, during the game.

[@Stephanie-ik1vq]

@@HappyValleyDreamin I remember during that whole time being grateful that Luke AFB was nearby.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

Great story, thank you for the context. 😊 I had not heard of this performance before and I can't understand why, it's incredible!

[@Stephanie-ik1vq]

​​@@colleenmonfross4283 I've seen it several times over the years and every time I do, I get misty eyed. It was a tough time for the country, and we needed the distraction of the Series, and of course the brilliance of Ray Charles. ❤

[@colleenmonfross4283]

@@Stephanie-ik1vq I watched it again and I'm sure I'll watch it many more times. 😊

[@edithroberts8959]

The man they showed clapping in the stands is country music legend Glenn Campbell.

[@dragonfly9209]

Yes! I saw him too....

[@janetsanford6923]

Also saw Billy Crystal

[@chriswhite4999]

@@janetsanford6923 and John McCain and the Kardashian father. And Yogi Berra (?).

[@K12345-d]

Glen Campbell one of the greatest guitarist ever

[@ORWELL_USA]

George Bush over his left shoulder.

[@MikesClassicRadio]

Ray Charles is 100% PURE AMERICAN GOLD, and your reaction (AND PRIDE) shines just as beautifully!

[@wymanbanks5050]

Wow! He sang one line and brought tears to Carol's eyes! He is a national treasure. He may not be able to see through his eyes, but he can see through his heart and soul. Thank you Mr Charles!

[@TexasRose50]

Beautifully stated! He indeed is a true legend.

[@dcg4mn]

What was so great was that the entire crowd understood, I’m sure many for the first time, what a true national treasure he is, and EXPRESSED that in their response.

[@garybarr1045]

Thanks for bringing the great Ray Charles to our attention one more time. 😎

[@waltermaples3998]

Ray Charles is America 🇺🇸. He has never seen America 🇺🇸 but he has felt and heard the Love of America 🇺🇸 ❤❤❤. Thank You Mr Charles for the beautiful music 🎶 you have given us 😊❤.

[@DeeIsFierce]

Amen!! He is 1 of the best Music Artist in America! Love Ray Charles ❤

[@tvc184]

Ray Charles is a great American success story. In that, he embodies America. He came from a very poor upbringing to the top. He did briefly see America however, becoming blind in his youth.

[@MeshJubrjo]

He did see until he was around 5 or 8 yrs old then lost his sight. I want to say his sight was lost from a fever he had, just cant recall for sure. But he did have sight for a very short time in his life.

[@philindabell6292]

Beautifully said!

[@Lori-db8vl]

Unfortunately, he has also experienced the very worst of America. He grew up during Jim Crow.

[@donadavis1178]

Mr ray charles was an American treasure you need to listen to Georgia on my mind omg what a song ❤❤❤❤

[@iknowuare4716]

Totally Agree.

[@TexasRose50]

I absolutely agree too!

[@Rbandlady74]

"He told me He would" Mr. Charles includes this line, referring to God and brotherhood, whenever he gives us this always exquisite performance of America the Beautiful. If Ray Charles says that God told him, that's absolute gospel truth. Ray Charles - no one compares to this man. No one.

[@KarenOEngland]

Y'all need to hear Ray Charles sing Georgia on my mind. Fantastic.

[@kimberlybalogh4395]

I love Georgia on my Mind. An American Patriot, Musicians, Honored America on One of Our Darkest Days 9/11/2001

[@gypsyvanner-b1r]

Ray Charles is the one to pass a message on. Freedom is difficult to obtain and it is really expensive. I'm an American and he always tears me to pieces with any version of this. Can't tell you just how much America appreciates the fact that the rest of the world is starting to understand and participate. Thank you for this beautiful reaction.

[@musik102]

Ray Charles has to be rated in the top 5 most influential popular music artists of the 20th century.

[@babynursekaren]

Ray Charles is a National Treasure. His voice has always been strong, gospel like and soulful. I have loved him since I've been old enough to listen and hear music. I grew up listening to him and I've always been affected by his voice. Rest In Peace Mr. Charles, you are missed! I'm so glad you played this and did a reaction video. Let those tears flow! ❤

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

Ray Charles' performance embodied the essence of America's heart and soul. There's no comparison.

[@nancychurch3741]

You guys just made this old lady cry! Nobody but Ray can sing that with such feeling! God Bless

[@susanwahl6322]

His version always makes me cry.

[@ruthavondo6818]

Ray Charles is an American Icon. And proof that no disability can hold one back from their dreams.

[@gretchenboyd7186]

He was a National treasure to be sure. God rest his precious soul. He is missed greatly.

[@MarcPagan]

Really think you'll enjoy Marvin Gaye - His performance of the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game was amazing.

[@ikarooz]

Many agree. However, I recall the complaints calling into CBS after he broke the mold. Now, many artist do their own version.

[@MarcPagan]

@@ikarooz Well, Rosanne Barr's version certainly was ah, untraditional :)

[@sgfx]

You have to understand there is the song "America the Beautiful" that all American kids learn in school. But then there is the "Ray Charles's America the Beautiful". No one man had ever taken over a song and made it his own more than Ray did with this song. He has been singing that version for years, it is one of his songs he is known for.

[@njd4291]

Legendary Charles. Native Georgian. This man song his soul.

[@AngelaWilliams-l6r]

That man can sing the dang cereal box and make it sound like the greatest song in the world. I have loved him my entire life! NO ONE sang that song like Ray ❤❤

[@JP-jm9fy]

I never really thought of myself as like some over the top patriotic person or anything but I get choked up every time I hear Ray sing America the beautiful. Nobody does it better.

[@melodyspoor3127]

My favorite version of this song!

[@thesimplesaguaro]

Mine too, it’s so classic

[@CherylHughes-l5t]

Ive never seen a happier man than ray at the end of this song.☮️

[@scottlambert3337]

The Legend Ray Charles. An American icon.

[@RobertDeMartin]

"Thank you so much for doing this!!!!!!! Thank you! Thank you!" It's a Sunday morning and I'm sitting in front of my computer in my pajama's and crying like a baby! No one like him and there will never be another like him! Soulfulness like his cannot be manufactured or taught, his is genuine from deep within him and we feel every note. Everyone at that Stadium and all of us watching this were choked up. I mean, he turned the song into a conversation and made it more dramatic then it was ever intended to be.

[@randybisbee848]

no worries Carol, I'm a big ole combat veteran of 30 years in Attack Recon, and I bawl like a baby every time. We love our country.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

Oh, gosh! I had not seen that performance before. Incredible. Ray Charles was a national treasure. 💝 My favorite part was at the end when he was clearly overwhelmed by the response and appreciation of the crowd.

[@gagirl0499]

I mean it’s Ray Charles, don’t expect anything less! I was amazing and very beloved.

[@KarinKai-Larsen]

those people in the u.s are really lucky to have had someone like Ray Charles!

[@SRHS83]

It was shortly after 9/11 prior to game 2 of the 2001 World Series. So, 23 years ago. .

[@CBB672]

That’s what I thought world series

[@jimt503]

Ray Charles paid a visit to my ship, the USS Constellation CVA-64, when we were in the Tonkin Gulf (Vietnam) in 1966. I was sitting not to far from him during his concert in the hanger bay. I will never forget it. I have some black and white pics him at his piano somewhere here in storage.

[@reckyNcarol]

Wow! How amazing!!

[@postone2821]

Ray Charles is a Legend. Every time I hear this song it stirs emotions and patriotism

[@jorgecolon2014]

No one sings this song better than Ray Charles! As you know, he lost his eyesight at a young age only to become an iconic singer/musician and one of the best to ever do so in the world.

[@AW11-e4h]

Legend 🇺🇸

[@carolynbertram5598]

There was never and will never be another Ray Charles.

[@matthewphillips2698]

One of the great Georgia ambassadors of all time the legendary Ray Charles from Albany Georgia. To the Rock and roll Hall of Fame The Gospel Hall of Fame and the rhythm and blues Hall of Fame. There will never be another Ray Charles!

[@darron6owell]

Ladies and gentlemen the one and only legendary Ray Charles Mane that was hard to watch without crying, if you know what it stood for and what he went through and that he is no longer here.

[@BarleyMonster]

What an absolute L.E.G.E.N.D. 🇺🇸

[@karenpowell6063]

Ray Charles singing America sends chills down my spine every time I listen to him sing the song. Absolutely incredibly beautiful, touches the soul ♥️

[@joanborger702]

I am crying, with you. The amazing Ray Charles, our amazing America! I agree, Ray Charles was truly touched, by the crowds reaction. I love your channel, it's excellent! Sending love, from Pennsylvania.

[@carmenm71]

@ Recky and Carol Ray Charles has never seen America he has been blind his whole life but he feels America stronger than we see America. I grew up listening to him. ❤

[@maxinefowler1186]

Hello from Hollywood, CA, USA. I met Ray Charles in 1999. You said you love Mr Charles singing, YOU'RE D* M RIGHT. HE WAS THE BEST OF THE BEST!

[@judywein3282]

Thank you, and God bless, to my favorite Swedish Americans! 🇺🇸

[@reckyNcarol]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@yankee_tango]

I had forgotten just how amazing Ray Charles singing this song was. It brought me to tears as he always has when I have heard it in the past. I have 2 other songs I hope you would react to also, the artist is a young girl named Emma Kok. She is Dutch and is an amazing singer, she is currently performing with Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra. She debuted with them in 2023 at the age of 15, and she tore the house down by singing Voila', she comes back in 2024 at the age of 16, after touring the world at this point, and sings a brand new song titled "Dancing on the Stars" it is an original for her since the writer of the song, Tjeerd Oostehuiss, wrote over 20 years ago. He shelved it because he couldn't find a performer 'worthy' to sing it. Emma somehow found it and asked him if she and Andre write the music to it, he agreed and it makes it's debut in August of 2024. here are the links for both. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZWsmaRnqcdredE&pp=ygUKYW5kcmUgcmlldQ%3D%3D This is Voila' kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp2UpoWVfbqChpo&pp=ygUeYW5kcmUgcmlldSBkYW5jaW5nb24gdGhlIHN0YXJz This is Dancing on the Stars. I hope to see you both react to this soon. When you hear her story you will be truly amazed by what she does.

[@RobertDeMartin]

Let' put it this way, Ray's performance was a perfect prelude to what they will hear when Emma takes the stage! One is a soulful singer extraordinaire and the other is a singing 'angel'. I'm going to subscribe to their channel to find out if they have listened to Emma yet. I am a giant Angelina Jordan fan (she calls us her angels) and between Angelina and Emma there is hope for humanity and I mean that in every sense of the word. Maybe they will discover Angelina, too.

[@pdproductions5129]

I'm a mess. Didn't know I was going to need a tissue and shoulda had a whole box handy. I'd never heard Ray Charles sing that before, so many, many thanks for sharing it with us!

[@rockymillwood3347]

Ray was the man!! I've seen this 50 times and cry every time. ❤

[@chriswhite4999]

I'm crying with you, sweet Swedes! He was a national treasure!

[@shawnzzz]

Can you imagine being there on that day! How wonderful! The BEST version of this song EVER!!! Thank you sir!

[@leah9084]

His singing brings me to tears. Great !

[@beckyrinaldi6622]

Carol you had me crying too. Ray Charles is the King of Soul.

[@nancytrahan1613]

Ray Charles does it like no one else can. You need to listen to more of his music.

[@scottfree2430]

As an American, it bought me such joy to watch this reaction video. The things I take/took for granted I now truly appreciate. You bought that out of me today via this video. Thank you for your kind word, beautiful reaction and beautiful soul.

[@sbalsamo410]

We had a lot to thank him for and I think everyone knew it was time.

[@TerriKnight-x3s]

Beloved Ray Charles and this song. ❤

[@daig4529]

I just came across you guys. I've never heard this before. I cried just like you. I'm moved more because I'm sad I missed this (not a baseball fan). God rest his precious soul.

[@joyceibanez8207]

Thank you all for your beautiful reaction. Our beautiful UNITED STATES OF AMERICA has been kind of beat up the last few years. Your reactions came just at the right time. GOD bless you all and thank you. 😊❤🇺🇲

[@MarrionThompson]

You have a new rabbit hole! Ray, a S Georgia kid blinded in his youth was a student in the St. Augustine (FL) School for the deaf & Blind. Find his rendition of Georgia On My Mind. I grew up listening to his unique soulful voice. He is a true musical legend. 79 yr old Florida native here

[@martinmaidenbaum5159]

Ray Charles has a soul that can not be compared.

[@joymoore1904]

One of a kind to be sure. Amazing performer and artist.

[@carolacheson4392]

This was not long after 9-11. Our hearts were still hurting. This helped us all heal mightily! ❤🇺🇲🇺🇸🇺🇲🇺🇸

[@jancallison3950]

I was born in 1956, in Michigan...about 75 miles from Detroit, home of Motown. I grew up listening to all the talent from Motown. If you've ever heard Ray Charles, you KNOW what to expect when he starts to sing. I'm so glad you got to experience him. ❤️

[@reginairvine3919]

I don't care how many times I've heard this version (its been many many dozens) I still tear up like the 1st time hearing it. ❤🇺🇸

[@airbourne2]

Thanks!

[@reckyNcarol]

Thank you so much for your superthanks! We really appreciates it 🌹

[@earth2006]

This should be the American National anthem. This version. Best version ever.

[@amymoorehead7185]

Shoot, seeing people (we have lost since this performance) was special also. Glen Campbell, John McCain, we miss you.

[@gene081976]

Damn it Charles! We really needed this now in America! Back when American loves America no matter what party you were affiliated with!

[@ScottTheMarine]

One of my favorite versions of this song. Ray knocked it out of the park on this one.

[@sandrapotter6897]

I truly have NEVER heard another country sing their praises so proudly!

[@ChristaFree]

God surely has graced America and gifted Ray Charles with an awesome talent! He has his own style and we love it! You feel it in your soul. Welcome to American blues. You should Lauren to him sing other songs

[@lauriereinertsen]

Ray Charles, no longer with us, was a musical hero - coming from poverty, blind and just loved by all.❤ You would be lucky to have been at this in the US.

[@RebeccaOrr-h4m]

I love how you both appreciate American culture and really feel it deep in your heart and soul..

[@intodaysepisode...]

Mr. Ray Charles was a TREASURE!

[@rachelspellman5511]

The best version ever sung ❤

[@Jude_196]

LOVE RAY CHARLES' VERSION of THIS SONG!! ALL TEARY, NOW!!! HUGS from TEXAS!!!

[@theresabeck1029]

The feeling you get, when you're a part of something so great, is undescribable

[@imfirehawk72]

Ray Charles will always be a national treasure! Watch Georgia on my mind. ❤

[@vanessa4u4evr]

It's that SOUL that comes through that makes you cry.

[@rally618]

It's after 8 am and have tears this early. He was an American Legend. I am SO proud and honored to witness to be a concert to see and hear him. I think it was early 1990's. He came to my little city. It was during the summer and the local theater didn't have air condition then. He was still going like he does on his piano. Felt for him, but did put his ALL in it. We had a storm a few years ago and was destroyed. It was an old building.On a side note. I WISH our Country was MORE Patriotic and unitied than it is today. SO Much crap and nonsense.Everyone have a Good and Safe Day !!!!

[@annamariadenner2518]

Hello you two! Ray Charles is very talented and has always had a wonderful voice.

[@KTKacer]

Thank you, and I am a Ray Charles 'fan', but not a big baseball fan, so I missed this one until you 2 watched it! So SERIOUSLY, thanks!

[@zanohoriamazo1]

Hopefully by now you’ve found that Ray had a historic recording of this song I believe from the ‘60’s. They used to play the audio on a commercial in America back then. Great reaction!👍

[@jlynnmiddlebrook4676]

ray charles is the g.o.a.t { greatest of all times!!!!!!!}

[@CheesiestCheesehead]

Yall need to watch Ray Charles movie called Ray. Definitely worth watching to understand where he came from and what he went through to be on the stage that he’s on in this. Which is a grand stage that few will ever grace

[@lberia6681]

You go on and preach des’ here folks cause they commenting crazy

[@eloiseblackburn895]

It’s been Ray Charles ever since I was wee little. His voice is so beautiful. One of my favorite songs is with him and Willie Nelson. Please watch that. It’s a beautiful song. It’s called “Seven Spanish Angels”.

[@sallyintucson]

If you haven’t seen it, watch his biography Ray.

[@Cruznolfart]

My first and favorite experience hearing this was in 1976 during the Bicentennial celebrations. Stunning!

[@richhill39]

Love it. I had the same reaction at first, and everything I hear it, I cry.

[@patrickunderhill2901]

Glen Campbell (passed), Senator John McCain (passed) & pow, Billy Crystal were some of the people they showed there. Ray Charles pure soul !🇺🇸💙

[@donnelson6694]

I love to hear Ray sing this song. I think he did it best. What a great voice he had.

[@millardscott5646]

I needed to hear this again. So wonderful. Thanks for the reaction to this classic performance.

[@RosieTime_]

Just seeing Mr. Charles put me in tears, let alone when he started singing. What a wonderfully adventurous life he led and shared with us. So much heart in his voice.

[@lovesgucci1]

This was actually in October 2001, right after 9/11. It was the Diamondbacks v Yankees in Phoenix, Arizona. It was extra emotional for the Yankees. Even the NY Mets manager was there (shown in the video) trying to hold back tears.

[@Jude_196]

Need to listen to his RECORDING of this SONG!!! HE is SUCH A TREASURE, YA'LL!!

[@ndpd11]

Wow! That was so amazing. My eyes teared up too.

[@deborahdavis3031]

He passed away in 2004

[@sandrapotter6897]

Mr. Charles is singing from his heart!

[@vickihirsch8340]

Had the pleasure of seeing him perform this live in 1980 at a major boxing match between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran in New Orleans. Orleans