It is because we CAN see. We look at colors, height, skinny and fat, rich and poor, ugly and beautiful. He has never seen those differences in people, and must believe that we are all alike, and he is pleased with his receptions and believes that people are good. Blind were his eyes, but not ours. We know exactly what hate, greed and other such shit exists. It is because we CAN SEE and chose to create differences of color, power and beauty. Most people enjoy separating them, making fun and and finding reasons not to look in the mirror... which Ray Charles did not have to do. He just believed that people were good, and all were beautiful. How mistaken he was.to listen to man... the biggest criminals, liars and greedy thibgs that have been known in the universe since the beginning.
Jonathan: The story goes deeper that i Explained. I am a seeing pianist, and tried to each m 3 sister older that me. They could NOT LEARN to this day. I tried to teach them Ray Charles songs, but it was of NO USE. The in 1961, one sister married a Detroit talent scout that introduced me to 1,000 open doors to rare and undiscovered talent. At 13 years old, I was helping bands to carry musical equipment into night clubs. I would use my sisters mascara to create fake beards, sideburns and other such fakes to get into clubs. Though I have never me Ray Charles. I have sat with the Temptations, Gladys Knight, BB King, Etta James, The Impressions, Otis Redding, Pattil Laberlle The Funkadelics, Jacki Wilson, George Benson. Lonnie Smith, James Brown. and many more. Some would come to my sisters house and have dinner and stay the night. I was always there to learn. by the age of about 14, a few of us got together as formed a small band or Junior high school. I played the piano, but the major player was Gregory Reeves, who quit school at 15 to be a bass player with the temptations. He was stolen from the Temptations at about !8 by Crosby Stills and Nash. His picture is in my yearbook, but he never received his diploma... he left town for the money. I last heard from hi, in 1972 when he said the drugs had taken him over, and later died. Yes I still have a polished black piano in the living room... I do no play it. I am now almost 63 years old. Gregory started at about age 9 with a wind up Mattel plastic guitar. He took out the wind up gear and played it by hand. The next year his mother bought him a used electric Fender guitar, The Next year he wanted a Fender Bass guitar and that was it. I miss my friend and his family that are all gone now. .
Oh we do and we will! Even though we are going through a rough time at the moment, we are going to be the nation God wanted us to be. Truth is coming, and there’s nothing our enemies can do to keep us down. “We The People” are on the verge of taking our country back.
I have never once been able to finish this song... For some reason my throat closes up, and it starts raining.... Bad luck and allergies I guess... No I ain't crying.... I swear, i got something in my eye... Im catching a cold.... Its just really hot in here, right around my eyes!
she is being destroyed... a trillion spent on illegal immigrants but no money for the wall; interest rates, crime, wokeness, ungodlessness..... America will break is this doesn't stop soon
When I was 10 years old I stood on a stage in school and tried to play this by myself in front of the crowd of parents and other students. My first time to play on stage. I was so nervous. Shaking. I had just started to learn to play flute. I still have that flute. That was in 1964 I played my first solo. A 53 year old flute still sits. Lots of miles on it. Thank you Ray.
Just watched Ray again on hbo. I had a chance to see him live at the Sacramento jazz festival in the mid-80s but had to work and couldn't take it off. At the time I thought that he's going to be back again so I'll get to see him then. Never happened. So stupid when we sre young and strapped with bills that we would miss Ray to work. He's truly an American success. Thank you, Ray.
Amen, my friend. Ray is one of the GOATs just being himself! His passion is unrivaled and his love for this great nation was pure. Ray reminds of of all that was good once, and can be again!
They broke the mold with him He did a country record in the early 60's. Everyone in the business tried to talk him out of it One of the biggest selling albums of all time. It's still selling The Master
In my 33 years of life, this is still the only rendition of any song that has brought me to tears. Were no longer the country that his words speak about. Its still there. Hidden deep in each and everyone of us. Its masked with political cultism, hatred, bigotry, greed and laziness, but it IS still there. It would do our nation good to hear this man sing this once a day, everyday, for the rest of our lives. Long live the Republic
This is always astonishing. A black man, born in the deep south to an impoverished mother, blinded as a child, who experienced real racism, not the crap they claim today. Yet he loved the country enough to write this, through hard work he became not just an artist, but an icon in not just the music industry, but the history of music, he performed for royalty, his music is in the library of congress. He's a testament that racism isn't a cause, it's an excuse. That disability isn't a reason, it's an obstacle to be overcome. After all this man had to endure, he not only wrote the most amazing music, but the greatest anthem to the country as well.
Ray Harvey, I never heard Ray's rendition until just a few minutes ago, and it moved me to prayer, too. Dearest God! Thank You for this nation, and allowing me to be born here. In Jesus Name. Amen. Oh beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife, Who more than self, our country loved, And mercy more than life, America, America may God thy gold refine, Til all success be nobleness And every gain devined.
When he sings this,,, My eyes fill with uncontrollable tears, and it takes me time to pull myself back from crying. It is the most powerful vocal statement to America to have ever been sung. And I am a man.
Ray may not have written the song,...but it still belongs to him, and him alone. No one before, since then, or ever more after this, will ever sing this song like him
Well Katherine Bates wrote this after her railroad trip over Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. Her inspiration. That's the way I learned it. I grew up and found so many different artistic directions. I love it.
Ray Charles singing this song just gives me chills. Its just so beautiful and legendary. As far as im concerned, it’s in the same class as Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner. Renditions that just cant be topped no matter who try.
@@Thereallyuglytruth I'm not even American but this song is so deep. I could picture your country through his music. I just wish right now that Americans can be United once again for its beauty instead of political correctness. 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇵🇭. 😡🖕🏽🇨🇳
Geez, Ray is a National Treasure as sure as can be and he totally owns this piece. He is so gracious and thankful for his life and just a real genuine human being.
I agree because the current one, welllllllll my point made. This country's his has ALWAYS been about race. All of the smart people, innovations, trials and tribulations and we can't overcome racism and division. It's sooo hurtful and sad. God will judge is for this. Something so simple. We know how division is so has anyone ever thought how unity would be??????
The true story behind the star spangled banner cannot be compared to anything else men literally used their bodies to keep the flag up as over 100 British navel ships shelled the fort all night long. And told the Americans if they would just take down the flag the shelling would stop immediately. George Washington said what separates the American Christian apart from any other is they would die on their feet before they would live on their knees.
(I'm a Canadian and wish we had a song like that)...and no one does it more justice than Ray and especially this particular live performance.. I play this every July 4th to honour my friends to the south and to honour Ray. This is a bucket list recording, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your wondrous ability with the rest of the world. I wish I saw things that clearly (and Ray did not always have a smooth ride in life). Maybe today's world needs to take a page from Ray's life and watch the movie Ray and then play this song again. Sooooooooo worthwhile! To me, America means the whole world in this song, not just the USA.
Nobody sings this like Ray Charles only could... He's one artist I sincerely wished I had the opportunity to see live before he left us. RIP Mr. Charles
+Raymond Shutt When Ray Charles song America the beautiful it restores my love for the USA. He was a true genius. He could have sung " Mary had a little lamb" and it would be a hit. RIP Ray Charles
NO ONE WILL SING THAT SONG LIKE RAY CHARLES.THANK YOU MR CHARLES. JOSEPH JOHN KENNEDY.I GROW UP WITH YOUR SONGS.THANKYOU SO MUCH.YOU HAD TO BE HERE TO SEE IT.THANKYOU AGAIN.
In the mid-60s, our B-52 bomber crew was stationed at Turner AFB, GA during the height of the cold war. Each evening, as WALB-TV went off the air in Albany, GA, they played a video of one of our B-52s turning into the setting sun as Ray Charles sang America the Beautiful. There were almost no dry eyes amongst the aircrew members in the alert facility. It was OUR song, sung by our very own Ray Charles! I've never forgotten those many evenings with Ray.
It used to. I went to school in the 60's and every classroom had a piano, and part if the requirements for a schoolteacher was to play the piano. And we did sing this song occasionally. And many other folk songs we took for granted, the culture has forgotten them.
Only Ray can sing it with such love . Goose bumps and tears took over. I love you my sweet America. Like no other on earth!!!!! May God shed his grace on thee.
Thank you God for letting us borrow Ray Charles for what time we had him. What a talent, what a voice and what a patriot. I have never yet heard anyone do this song as well as Ray Charles and I don't think I ever will.
Only Ray could sing this song with grace and real feeling. Miss this man with the beautiful voice. Thank u Ray. The world has changed so much. And not for the best.
Yesterday I watched the movie of his life and,believe me, this song has much more meaning after knowing the hard life this man had since his childhood. He was a hero frightening with his blindness but he had a goal in life.
If you love this country and don't get a tear in your eye to hear this great legend sing this with the love an emotion of a true patriot then there is something wrong with you.
And this my friends is how it's done.. Pure PERFECTION! I miss him and I'm thankful the Lord BLESSED us with this gift. He is gracious to us and this song is a perfect reminder of how Blessed this nation is. Sweet America.. yes stand to to the greatness that is Mr. Ray Charles. You are missed Sir!✌️
I'm English, and I loved this. I wish Donald Trump could watch and listen to this he could have learned so much from a truly great American like Ray Charles - humility, charm, manners, class - and the difference between true patriotism, and jingoist bigotry. Let's not worry too much - there are millions of Americans who do understand this who'll be taking over before too long
I will be president for all Americans' - transcript of Donald Trump's election night victory speech www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-election-night-speech-20161108-story.html
The class and strength of a man that most of America forced to come thru the back door and eat at separate counter or a different water fountain...To love this land in spite of the hate and bigotry I admire him very much! We as country must stop the hate and educate that is our only hope we have so far to go...
I got to see Ray in a small setting during a convention once... One of the best ever all time artists that will ever exist. Outstanding talent... and his music will live forever! This video is classic Ray! I love it!
His last performance? I was asking myself, aren't these people going to stand? Thankfully, they came to their senses. They were so fortunate to be able to hear him live. RIP Mr. Charles!
This man can sing about roaches in mud and we'd stand and clap. I am no acoustical engineer, but many of us fail to appreciate what singers like him can do. Listening anyone live would delight anyone cause there are no real distortion between our ear and the music. But to listen to a recorded music from a man who left us more than 10 years ago, and to be still overwhelmed by his voice....well....do I really need to say more? He may be gone, but we never let him die. We never did.
charles is playing america the beautiful for the lord. I'm so proud to be an american. serving 2 tours for my country during the golf. i would go back with my brothers to do it all over again. may god bless us all.
Vietnam 1966, this song brings chills every time I hear it. Lost at lot of Americans in Vietnam just to walk away. We shoud play this song at every funeral for the brave man and women that gave there lives for our country. GOD BLESS AMERICA
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SONG MR RAY CHARLES SIR WOOOO HE DIDNT HAVE SIGHT TO SEE BUT GOD BLESSED HIM WITH A VOICE A VOICE OUT OF THIS WORLD AND HE COULD PLAY THAT PIANO, HE WAS GREAT YOU NO I LOVED HIS MUSIC. MAY HIS MUSIC LIVES ON IN US ALL, MAY MR RAY CHARLES REST IN PEACE AMEN AMEN
First time I heard this voice in the 60s growing up in Samoa when he sung "CRYING TIME AGAIN" made me tear up as I've never heard anyone sing with such emotion speaking to my soul. Been a fan ever since and read his biography incredible story and a legendary spirit of courage and hard work to become and icon of the music world. He has influenced Elvis Presley and so many others and his name shall live forever in mankind's folklore. Faafetai Sir Ray Charles. Manuia lau malaga. God Bless you champ.
Makes me cry when hear this. So lucky to be born in the USA. So proud to be an American. Makes me sick to see people call our country racist and disrespect our national anthem. No country has accumulated more power and used it to do good and spread freedom more than the USA.
Any country that has created the environment that stimulated the creativity of amazing composers like Samuel A Ward, remarkable lyricist/poets like Katharine Lee Bates and incomparable singers/piano players like Ray Charles is truly great, it is more than great, it is unique in the history of mankind. Hundreds of years from now, history manuals will dedicate whole chapters to the study of this extraordinary human experiment that is the United States of America, the land of the free, where all men are created equal, and where it is recognized that they are all endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This immensely beautiful song and Ray Charles's stirring rendition are clear expressions of the boundless love that the composer, the lyricist and the singer had for America the Beautiful. My eyes are filled with tears....
I have never considered that statement, but I have to agree. He sang this song unlike any other person has and it became his song and to this day, I cant sing it without trying to channel his voice, what an amazing talent, the world is less brighter with him gone.
If only the people of the united States would return to God. He so longs to Bless U.S. Return God and His Word to our schools, to our homes, to our society and culture, AND to our universities and academies, EVEN to our churches. Do these and "if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then will He hear from Heaven and will Forgive and will Heal their land."
the Drums and the horns start it.... then it chokes me up and waters my eyes..... not just Ray. but the truth and the meaning of this song. hurts... as we were struck on 9-11...
+Harle Quinn -- Yes I understand that our America is full of corruption like central America, but which America sucks? Because UNITED STATES of AMERICA IS so Great to live in with out Donald duck tramp moving his big racism mouth trying to run for president. Hope this song can bring peace to all race. Please don't say to fuck America' if you don't like UNITED STATES of AMERICA then you should move out with Fidel Castro or Kim jun Un or the middle east dude. U.S.A. IS A FREE country as I'm a USMC who serve my country for all.
Judy Coronado Awesome. San Antonio is where I did my basic training many moons ago. Love your dedication and I feel the same way. God bless you and yours.
YEP...Amen In The MIDNIGHT HOUR... They can NOT separate US,, we LIVED AMERICA..... every false step and the rest too...we are ALWAYS joined at thge HIP BLACK BROWN and all colors in between.. GAIL said it was SO...
The absolute best, no one else could sing this song like Ray Charles, REST IN PEACE RAY. Thank God that his performances were recorded so that millions can enjoy them for years to come.
Gone 17 years today, but oh so very missed. I never liked this song until I heard you sing it Mr. Charles. The way you sing it fills me with pride in this country. You are forever missed.
I would love to have this song played in every city and the world at the same time. so everyone, young and old would listen. and feel the true meaning of this song.
It's a hundred degrees in my house and humid- I got chilllllllls , Ray hits this one like a Angel reaching down from above- God did bless America- please no more bombs, no more destruction from the skys- peace - America is the greatest Nation of the free world- Sing it Ray-
@mikehigbee - So observant of you to realize that we are moved by the entire orchestration that Ray's genius is able to bring forth through the conductor and all of the musicians. And I'm sure God is overseeing. Amen.
How is this song not our National Anthem? Wake up Americans, this is what we are about, not politics!
Agreed 🙏🙏
I AGREE
America the Beautiful was played on the series finale of Blue Bloods: "End of Tour", which aired on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10/9c on CBS.
if a blind man can imagine how beautiful is America.why can't we love what we see and stop hating
It is because we CAN see. We look at colors, height, skinny and fat, rich and poor, ugly and beautiful. He has never seen those differences in people, and must believe that we are all alike, and he is pleased with his receptions and believes that people are good. Blind were his eyes, but not ours. We know exactly what hate, greed and other such shit exists. It is because we CAN SEE and chose to create differences of color, power and beauty. Most people enjoy separating them, making fun and and finding reasons not to look in the mirror... which Ray Charles did not have to do. He just believed that people were good, and all were beautiful. How mistaken he was.to listen to man... the biggest criminals, liars and greedy thibgs that have been known in the universe since the beginning.
Well said!
Jonathan: The story goes deeper that i Explained. I am a seeing pianist, and tried to each m 3 sister older that me. They could NOT LEARN to this day. I tried to teach them Ray Charles songs, but it was of NO USE. The in 1961, one sister married a Detroit talent scout that introduced me to 1,000 open doors to rare and undiscovered talent. At 13 years old, I was helping bands to carry musical equipment into night clubs. I would use my sisters mascara to create fake beards, sideburns and other such fakes to get into clubs. Though I have never me Ray Charles. I have sat with the Temptations, Gladys Knight, BB King, Etta James, The Impressions, Otis Redding, Pattil Laberlle The Funkadelics, Jacki Wilson, George Benson. Lonnie Smith, James Brown. and many more. Some would come to my sisters house and have dinner and stay the night. I was always there to learn. by the age of about 14, a few of us got together as formed a small band or Junior high school. I played the piano, but the major player was Gregory Reeves, who quit school at 15 to be a bass player with the temptations. He was stolen from the Temptations at about !8 by Crosby Stills and Nash. His picture is in my yearbook, but he never received his diploma... he left town for the money. I last heard from hi, in 1972 when he said the drugs had taken him over, and later died.
Yes I still have a polished black piano in the living room... I do no play it. I am now almost 63 years old. Gregory started at about age 9 with a wind up Mattel plastic guitar. He took out the wind up gear and played it by hand. The next year his mother bought him a used electric Fender guitar, The Next year he wanted a Fender Bass guitar and that was it. I miss my friend and his family that are all gone now.
.
+SUKABAZ thanks
Isaac Cliff WELL SAID
America was never more beautiful......then when Ray sang this song ..lets all stop the hate and get along. The country will be more beautiful.
Sir Charles Jones
B b king
Me
Sir Charles jones
Rodney King....cant we all just get along
Should be our National Anthem with a recorded Ray Charles playing it around every event.
I agree. I feel nobody song it better.
Made me CRY!!!!!!!! What a Special GIFT that BLIND MAN IS??????????????
NO ONE CAN SING AMERICA LIKE RAY CHARLES.I WAS AT THIS CONCERT AND I CRIED MY EYES OUT.LOVE YOU RAY CHARLES.NOW YOU CAN SING AMERICA IN HEVEN.R.I.P.
True🌸🧡❤️
No one!!!!❤️💯🙏🏽
The vibe is incredible- and yes tears
@@larsgsanger3105 🌸🧡❤️ Amen
True ,I Love this song, it has a special place in my heart❤. Can I ask you a question please?@Marianna
Today we need to hear these words maybe more than ever before.
yes, yes.
TONITE TOO!! what happened today to that lady ,,,, and the Traitors,,,,,,,,, and GEORGIA!!!! delivering!!
Amen🌸🇺🇸❤️
The voice of America, always.
Oh we do and we will! Even though we are going through a rough time at the moment, we are going to be the nation God wanted us to be. Truth is coming, and there’s nothing our enemies can do to keep us down. “We The People” are on the verge of taking our country back.
This is my favorite version of this song. He does it best. RIP Mr. Charles. Legend.
I Love this song, it has a special place in my heart❤. Can I ask you a question please?@jennifer
I ain't cryin' that there's 100% pure American Freedom Water flowing from my eyes!
There's no stronger force than the power of the soul
Same here brother
That's alright
I have never once been able to finish this song... For some reason my throat closes up, and it starts raining.... Bad luck and allergies I guess... No I ain't crying.... I swear, i got something in my eye... Im catching a cold.... Its just really hot in here, right around my eyes!
The World is lost without America🌖🦋🧡❤️🇸🇪
This is the most beautiful, soulful rendition I have ever heard. God bless America!
she is being destroyed... a trillion spent on illegal immigrants but no money for the wall; interest rates, crime, wokeness, ungodlessness..... America will break is this doesn't stop soon
Agreed
The best rendition of America I've ever heard!
When I was 10 years old I stood on a stage in school and tried to play this by myself in front of the crowd of parents and other students. My first time to play on stage. I was so nervous. Shaking. I had just started to learn to play flute. I still have that flute. That was in 1964 I played my first solo. A 53 year old flute still sits. Lots of miles on it. Thank you Ray.
🌸🇺🇸🔔🧡❤️
He died exactly two months before I was born. To think that I was so close to walking the earth at the same time as him makes me really sad 🙏
@@linus3662 You might not have "walked" with him, but you were sharing the same planet. Close enough!
Absolutely beautiful
Just watched Ray again on hbo. I had a chance to see him live at the Sacramento jazz festival in the mid-80s but had to work and couldn't take it off. At the time I thought that he's going to be back again so I'll get to see him then. Never happened. So stupid when we sre young and strapped with bills that we would miss Ray to work. He's truly an American success. Thank you, Ray.
I'm 58 and a white raised man..BUT I BELIEVE THIS MAN AND SONG ,, should be the national song and anthem worldwide...GOD LOVES US ALL...PEACE..
Someone puts it simply beautiful, If a blind man can imagine it, why can’t we love what we see. The Black Culture is a very splendid thing to embrace.
No one will ever sing this song any better than Ray Charles !!
No one
We will see.
America the Beautiful infused with the purity of Gospel Music. Ray could take any song and make it his own. Pure musicality.
Amen, my friend. Ray is one of the GOATs just being himself! His passion is unrivaled and his love for this great nation was pure. Ray reminds of of all that was good once, and can be again!
I remember when television used to cut off around 1am and they would play this and show corn fields, mountains and various landmarks..........
fiddle tune Arkansas travelers
William Payton you're old
Storm Williams lol
William Payton That was a sweet memory...one that I had forgotten about. 🦋
Mary Emio
Ray Charles is a real legacy! No other can do justice to this song! Chills and tears are inevitable!!!
The MODERN DUKE OF YORK
I 333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 3333333 33333333333333333 333333 3333333333333339
This should be the new national anthem! Not one one of war!!!!
Def tears.
Yeah you right!
This song is America. Love Ray Charles. An American treasure.
True🌸
They broke the mold with him
He did a country record in the early 60's. Everyone in the business tried to talk him out of it
One of the biggest selling albums of all time. It's still selling
The Master
You know how great America is because no one leaves here but everybody wants to come here.....
In my 33 years of life, this is still the only rendition of any song that has brought me to tears. Were no longer the country that his words speak about. Its still there. Hidden deep in each and everyone of us. Its masked with political cultism, hatred, bigotry, greed and laziness, but it IS still there. It would do our nation good to hear this man sing this once a day, everyday, for the rest of our lives. Long live the Republic
Отлично сказано 111
|There never will be another land like this one. Long live the USA! God has indeed, shed His Grace on Thee.
wishinifishin517 this should be the National Anthem.
wishinifishin517 amen to you sir
The song always brings tears to my eyes. But, so too, do these words you've just written.
When Ray Charles sings it, you realize it's a love song.
Thank you, Mr. Charles... Stan
Mr Robinson
Yes, a luv of America....
Yes, it is a love song, and America can be and should be our first love.
Nobody has ever sang a more beautiful love song
This is always astonishing. A black man, born in the deep south to an impoverished mother, blinded as a child, who experienced real racism, not the crap they claim today. Yet he loved the country enough to write this, through hard work he became not just an artist, but an icon in not just the music industry, but the history of music, he performed for royalty, his music is in the library of congress. He's a testament that racism isn't a cause, it's an excuse. That disability isn't a reason, it's an obstacle to be overcome. After all this man had to endure, he not only wrote the most amazing music, but the greatest anthem to the country as well.
hello friend, how are you doing today
He didn't right this...
I tear up every time I hear this great man sing this song.
Well said,beautiful patriotic song and person,like Elvis singing a very patriotic song called American trilogy
BORN IN EL SALVADOR
BRED IN THE U.S
I'D DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY
GOD BLESS AMERICA
And the rest of Us along side you if it come to that.
thank you..
Thank you patriot brother
I’m with you. Proud Navy vet and I fought for ALL Americans.
🙏🧡🌹
I now listen to this record as the last thing I hear at night before I say my prayers, cause I thank God for being born here in the USA
Amen -
Ray Harvey, I never heard Ray's rendition until just a few minutes ago, and it moved me to prayer, too. Dearest God! Thank You for this nation, and allowing me to be born here. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Oh beautiful for heroes proved,
In liberating strife,
Who more than self, our country loved,
And mercy more than life,
America, America may God thy gold refine,
Til all success be nobleness
And every gain devined.
Ray Harve
Ray Harvey God bless you too
Ray Harvey Thank you, brother. Very inspirational.
When he sings this,,, My eyes fill with uncontrollable tears, and it takes me time to pull myself back from crying. It is the most powerful vocal statement to America to have ever been sung. And I am a man.
🙏👍😘
🌸🇺🇸🌹🧡❤️
thank you sir
Ray may not have written the song,...but it still belongs to him, and him alone. No one before, since then, or ever more after this, will ever sing this song like him
UNQUESTIONABLY!!!!!!!!!!!
He added his verse at the top of the song.. this song is a gift from God spoken thru the spirit of ‘Brother Ray!”
AMEN!!!!
Well Katherine Bates wrote this after her railroad trip over Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. Her inspiration. That's the way I learned it. I grew up and found so many different artistic directions. I love it.
Ray Charles singing this song just gives me chills. Its just so beautiful and legendary. As far as im concerned, it’s in the same class as Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner. Renditions that just cant be topped no matter who try.
EXACTLY!!!
You got that right
Well said,like the song Elvis sings called American trilogy, and Lord you gave me a mountain, all these songs so patriotic and beautiful and touching
2020 midst of COVID 19 this song is needed to remind us how great our country is. No weapon formed against us shall prosper 🙏🏾
Amen. God bless you. 🙏🏾💫
I may be a heavy metal headbanger, but I love this song. God bless America.
Godamn that still brings a tear to my eye.
Thereallyuglytruth I'M IN TO ROCK,POISON,LYNYRD SKYNYRD ETC BUT I LOVE RAY CHARLES.I WAS AT THIS CONCERT.RAY SINGS AMERICA WITH A LOT OF SOUL.
This always brings a tear to my eye.
@@Thereallyuglytruth I'm not even American but this song is so deep. I could picture your country through his music. I just wish right now that Americans can be United once again for its beauty instead of political correctness. 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇵🇭. 😡🖕🏽🇨🇳
Ray Charles was a true legend whose music will never be copied...or forgotten.
I sure miss this talented man. After September 11th a local radio station played this song every day for weeks. It was so comforting
yes, it was being played everywhere after 9/11.
Geez, Ray is a National Treasure as sure as can be and he totally owns this piece. He is so gracious and thankful for his life and just a real genuine human being.
🌸🧡❤️
If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes you need to move to Mexico. America...LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT.
Thank YOU , it is what it is.
😂😂😂🇺🇲❤
This is the absolutely best version that exists of this beautiful song
this should be our national anthem
I can see three different anthems - Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful as sung by Ray Charles, and God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.
One week after 9/11 all of Americas Radio Stations wanted to do something to remember the moment of the attack. The choose this song. They know music.
I believe a lot of people think as you do. I like the one we have.
I agree because the current one, welllllllll my point made. This country's his has ALWAYS been about race. All of the smart people, innovations, trials and tribulations and we can't overcome racism and division. It's sooo hurtful and sad. God will judge is for this. Something so simple. We know how division is so has anyone ever thought how unity would be??????
The true story behind the star spangled banner cannot be compared to anything else men literally used their bodies to keep the flag up as over 100 British navel ships shelled the fort all night long. And told the Americans if they would just take down the flag the shelling would stop immediately. George Washington said what separates the American Christian apart from any other is they would die on their feet before they would live on their knees.
It was an absolute privelidge listening to the Great Ray Charles' version of America the Beautiful!! God bless him and the USA. Semper Fi
I thank God everyday that I'm an American. ❤🇺🇲
This man was born with rythem and soul. A true legend!
This is what a LEGEND looks like! One of the greatest of all time. ❤
This is a man thats a credit to his race, HUMAN!
(I'm a Canadian and wish we had a song like that)...and no one does it more justice than Ray and especially this particular live performance.. I play this every July 4th to honour my friends to the south and to honour Ray. This is a bucket list recording, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your wondrous ability with the rest of the world. I wish I saw things that clearly (and Ray did not always have a smooth ride in life). Maybe today's world needs to take a page from Ray's life and watch the movie Ray and then play this song again. Sooooooooo worthwhile! To me, America means the whole world in this song, not just the USA.
True🧡🌸🇺🇸❤️
You got O Canada"
So very important that we all appreciate the country that is OURS and who could express that simple concept better than a blind black man!!! ✌️❤️✊🏾🇺🇸
Got nothing against Francis Scott Key but this is your national anthem right here. And only Ray can sing it.
hello paul
Nobody sings this like Ray Charles only could... He's one artist I sincerely wished I had the opportunity to see live before he left us. RIP Mr. Charles
How can anyone not love this?
i actually do and it's not even my type of music in the slightest.
Edward Mynmning
"Ptesident" Trump Doesn't...Racist P.O.S....
A true American Treasure.
Thank you, Mr. Charles.
Happy Birthday, America!
+Raymond Shutt When Ray Charles song America the beautiful it restores my love for the USA. He was a true genius. He could have sung " Mary had a little lamb" and it would be a hit. RIP Ray Charles
+charline Taylor same, I want this America back.
+Raymond Shutt can someone please tell me what happened to our beautiful country?
+Winette Theodore Obama.
Raymond Shutt stay Charles do I ever cross your mind
If you can't feel this something is wrong with you this is beautiful what happened America this is what we used to be we got lost lost lost
Nobody, absolutely NOBODY could sing America like Mr. Ray Charles. Then again he was unique, a true American treasure.
Agree!
there was only one ray charles and no one will ever sing this song as great as ray
I Agree
My favorite version
NO ONE WILL SING THAT SONG LIKE RAY CHARLES.THANK YOU MR CHARLES. JOSEPH JOHN KENNEDY.I GROW UP WITH YOUR SONGS.THANKYOU SO MUCH.YOU HAD TO BE HERE TO SEE IT.THANKYOU AGAIN.
If this was our National Anthem, Maybe our country would be great again.
No
Exactly
If you’re saying that you missed the point
@@i_am_thebatman maybe but.... No
ed monahan talking to Jo Hill
In the mid-60s, our B-52 bomber crew was stationed at Turner AFB, GA during the height of the cold war. Each evening, as WALB-TV went off the air in Albany, GA, they played a video of one of our B-52s turning into the setting sun as Ray Charles sang America the Beautiful. There were almost no dry eyes amongst the aircrew members in the alert facility. It was OUR song, sung by our very own Ray Charles! I've never forgotten those many evenings with Ray.
America is really beautiful ,and I'm not even American!!!
This song should be sung everyday by every American Child in every American classroom....
It used to. I went to school in the 60's and every classroom had a piano, and part if the requirements for a schoolteacher was to play the piano. And we did sing this song occasionally. And many other folk songs we took for granted, the culture has forgotten them.
Amen! They used to do things like that when I was a kid..
Can't do that, it's racist.
Hey I'm a saints fan too. Ho dat!!!!
We used to sing it in grade school. And it wasnt even a public school it was a parochial school
No one...I mean no one, sings this song like Ray Charles. Moves my spirit every time I hear it, no matter where I am.
Goosebumps
Show ya right
I'm with ya on this!!!!
Only Ray can sing it with such love . Goose bumps and tears took over. I love you my sweet America. Like no other on earth!!!!! May God shed his grace on thee.
Thank you God for letting us borrow Ray Charles for what time we had him. What a talent, what a voice and what a patriot. I have never yet heard anyone do this song as well as Ray Charles and I don't think I ever will.
Only Ray could sing this song with grace and real feeling. Miss this man with the beautiful voice. Thank u Ray. The world has changed so much. And not for the best.
No one has ever sang this song with that much feeling, God Bless America.
Rest In Heaven Mr. Ray Charles♡
Awesome Version, thanks for Sharing Phylliss.
I remember watching this man as a kid child and I was fascinated how he could sing and play that piano. Mr. Ray Charles, Rest in Peace Brother! 🕯️✝️
Yesterday I watched the movie of his life and,believe me, this song has much more meaning after knowing the hard life this man had since his childhood. He was a hero frightening with his blindness but he had a goal in life.
Had a tough life,but what s beutiful heart!!
🙏🧡❤️
I heard this live many years ago in Halifax, Nova Scotia and it ALMOST made me want to be American!
This gives me chills. This may not be my birth country but God I love this place. America, I will forever love you 🇺🇸
Same here, my beloved adopted land. ❤
I'm English, but Ray sure does make me feel American when I listen to this.
Welcome to the club -- Ray makes all of us in the world feel American!
America, at its' best is a state of mind
Me too, but I lived there. Pretty hard not to love the place.
Thank our God for Ray Charles
Thank you, friends of America. You're welcomed here any time.
If you love this country and don't get a tear in your eye to hear this great legend sing this with the love an emotion of a true patriot then there is something wrong with you.
I'm bawling like a baby
Cassy Carter Me too!
And this my friends is how it's done.. Pure PERFECTION! I miss him and I'm thankful the Lord BLESSED us with this gift. He is gracious to us and this song is a perfect reminder of how Blessed this nation is. Sweet America.. yes stand to to the greatness that is Mr. Ray Charles. You are missed Sir!✌️
I Love this song, it has a special place in my heart❤. Can I ask you a question please?@Missy
I'm English, and I loved this. I wish Donald Trump could watch and listen to this he could have learned so much from a truly great American like Ray Charles - humility, charm, manners, class - and the difference between true patriotism, and jingoist bigotry. Let's not worry too much - there are millions of Americans who do understand this who'll be taking over before too long
I will be president for all Americans' - transcript of Donald Trump's election night victory speech www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-election-night-speech-20161108-story.html
You could never appreciate nothing until you're deprived of it. 😘💕
The class and strength of a man that most of America forced to come thru the back door and eat at separate counter or a different water fountain...To love this land in spite of the hate and bigotry I admire him very much! We as country must stop the hate and educate that is our only hope we have so far to go...
God shed his grace on thee. Thank you.
I got to see Ray in a small setting during a convention once... One of the best ever all time artists that will ever exist. Outstanding talent... and his music will live forever! This video is classic Ray! I love it!
Still the greatest America, The Beautiful ever sung. NO body can touch it!!!!!
His last performance? I was asking myself, aren't these people going to stand? Thankfully, they came to their senses. They were so fortunate to be able to hear him live. RIP Mr. Charles!
This man can sing about roaches in mud and we'd stand and clap. I am no acoustical engineer, but many of us fail to appreciate what singers like him can do. Listening anyone live would delight anyone cause there are no real distortion between our ear and the music. But to listen to a recorded music from a man who left us more than 10 years ago, and to be still overwhelmed by his voice....well....do I really need to say more? He may be gone, but we never let him die. We never did.
Only Ray could have don this song Justice
I agree
Yes!
Chuck Roden Jr This song make me proud to be american.
charles is playing america the beautiful for the lord. I'm so proud to be an american. serving 2 tours for my country during the golf. i would go back with my brothers to do it all over again. may god bless us all.
Thank you.
Thank God and you.
Vietnam 1966, this song brings chills every time I hear it. Lost at lot of Americans in Vietnam just to walk away. We shoud play this song at every funeral for the brave man and women that gave there lives for our country. GOD BLESS AMERICA
🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲✨🎆🎆🎇✨🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🥺😭Thank you for your service soldier! Dont know you but I love you for all you done! Gid bless your sir and your fam!
Thank you for your Service God bless you .
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SONG MR RAY CHARLES SIR WOOOO HE DIDNT HAVE SIGHT TO SEE BUT GOD BLESSED HIM WITH A VOICE A VOICE OUT OF THIS WORLD AND HE COULD PLAY THAT PIANO, HE WAS GREAT YOU NO I LOVED HIS MUSIC. MAY HIS MUSIC LIVES ON IN US ALL, MAY MR RAY CHARLES REST IN PEACE AMEN AMEN
well said
Amen🌖🌸🦋
First time I heard this voice in the 60s growing up in Samoa when he sung "CRYING TIME AGAIN" made me tear up as I've never heard anyone sing with such emotion speaking to my soul. Been a fan ever since and read his biography incredible story and a legendary spirit of courage and hard work to become and icon of the music world. He has influenced Elvis Presley and so many others and his name shall live forever in mankind's folklore. Faafetai Sir Ray Charles. Manuia lau malaga. God Bless you champ.
hello John, how are you doing today
Makes me cry when hear this. So lucky to be born in the USA. So proud to be an American. Makes me sick to see people call our country racist and disrespect our national anthem. No country has accumulated more power and used it to do good and spread freedom more than the USA.
Well said,but it's falling apart month by month way it's going,so sad
Rid it of the scourge of racism and God will Bless her even more !!!
ME too ❤❤❤
@@michellegaines3568 God help us if Project 2025 happens!
My favorite! Can't get much more American than this!! Love Ray Charles, and the way he sings this beautiful song!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Any country that has created the environment that stimulated the creativity of amazing composers like Samuel A Ward, remarkable lyricist/poets like Katharine Lee Bates and incomparable singers/piano players like Ray Charles is truly great, it is more than great, it is unique in the history of mankind. Hundreds of years from now, history manuals will dedicate whole chapters to the study of this extraordinary human experiment that is the United States of America, the land of the free, where all men are created equal, and where it is recognized that they are all endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This immensely beautiful song and Ray Charles's stirring rendition are clear expressions of the boundless love that the composer, the lyricist and the singer had for America the Beautiful. My eyes are filled with tears....
It felt like some part of America died with Ray.
I have never considered that statement, but I have to agree. He sang this song unlike any other person has and it became his song and to this day, I cant sing it without trying to channel his voice, what an amazing talent, the world is less brighter with him gone.
right on
It did and so did his type of music!
Amen, brother
rone dee k
Greatest rendition ever and it ain’t even close.simply the best. If you don’t cry every time you hear that from Ray somethings wrong with you
Sing it my brother, U S Marine here. God bless America and God bless your memory Mr. Charles! Oohrah
If only the people of the united States would return to God. He so longs to Bless U.S. Return God and His Word to our schools, to our homes, to our society and culture, AND to our universities and academies, EVEN to our churches.
Do these and "if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then will He hear from Heaven and will Forgive and will Heal their land."
Awesome, a great talent and legend
Absolutely! God is always ready to receive His erring children with open arms.
America, come back to God!
Amen🔔🧡🌹❤️
Amen! Stop killing your babies that God gifted to you. First they are new souls in heaven
the Drums and the horns start it.... then it chokes me up and waters my eyes..... not just Ray. but the truth and the meaning of this song. hurts... as we were struck on 9-11...
i listen to this every morning. because i love my country more than life itself
+Ray Harvey God bless you.........
Fuck America. America is a god damned mask that hides something corrupt and disgusting.
+Harle Quinn -- Yes I understand that our America is full of corruption like central America, but which America sucks? Because UNITED STATES of AMERICA IS so Great to live in with out Donald duck tramp moving his big racism mouth trying to run for president. Hope this song can bring peace to all race. Please don't say to fuck America' if you don't like UNITED STATES of AMERICA then you should move out with Fidel Castro or Kim jun Un or the middle east dude. U.S.A. IS A FREE country as I'm a USMC who serve my country for all.
+Harle Quinn Than get the fuck out the country!!!
Judy Coronado Awesome. San Antonio is where I did my basic training many moons ago. Love your dedication and I feel the same way. God bless you and yours.
Crying . What a wonderful, heartfelt version of the most beautiful song on earth. God bless the USA
An iconic rendition by an AMERICAN ICON!
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!🇺🇸🎆
Its not a perfect country, with all its faults but I don't think there's anywhere else I would rather live. Born and raised.
Amen... bless you for your thoughts... We live in the best country in the world because we are free...
Ed Sanford How free are you?
Kingsley Ihekanandu
I am completely free...
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
YEP...Amen In The MIDNIGHT HOUR... They can NOT separate US,, we LIVED AMERICA..... every false step and the rest too...we are ALWAYS joined at thge HIP BLACK BROWN and all colors in between.. GAIL said it was SO...
The absolute best, no one else could sing this song like Ray Charles, REST IN PEACE RAY. Thank God that his performances were recorded so that millions can enjoy them for years to come.
To all who serve in the military past and present THANK YOU
Gone 17 years today, but oh so very missed. I never liked this song until I heard you sing it Mr. Charles. The way you sing it fills me with pride in this country. You are forever missed.
Ray Charles voice to the lyrics of America are so soulfully felt in this moment while watching this "more than self their country loved"
I would love to have this song played in every city and the world at the same time. so everyone, young and old would listen. and feel the true meaning of this song.
Really no words for this.
There is no more beautiful sounding musical piece ever recorded. Sure their might be some just as good, but none better. Ray is a legend
It's a hundred degrees in my house and humid- I got chilllllllls , Ray hits this one like a Angel reaching down from above- God did bless America- please no more bombs, no more destruction from the skys- peace - America is the greatest Nation of the free world- Sing it Ray-
Man do I love this performance,. I love how the conductor and bass player take all their cues from Ray. Ray's song.
@mikehigbee - So observant of you to realize that we are moved by the entire orchestration that Ray's genius is able to bring forth through the conductor and all of the musicians. And I'm sure God is overseeing. Amen.