Battle of the Bands Winner: Ray Charles

There are many reasons Ray Charles is a legend. One of those reasons now include winning one of my Battle of the Bands contest. I tried to make Ray nervous pitting him against a Grammy Award winner, but Ray Charles didn't see any competition at all!

Christina Aguilera finally found out how it feels to be voted off the Battle of the Bands like so many singers on the Voice. Meanwhile her partner in this competition Herbie Hancock could only wonder what went wrong and what could have been if this was truly "A Song for You." The picture below says it all.

 

The results were 7 to 4 in favor of Brother Ray.

Ray Charles told the competition to "Hit The Road Jack"

Ray believed "It Shoulda Been Me" and the vote
rs agreed..

Ray Charles reportedly celebrated by "Shaking A Tail Feather"

When asked about the victory Ray told me to "Say No More"

Well that's it for the November Battle of the Bands I hope you enjoyed and I invite you to come back December first for a new Battle! 

Battle of the Bands:Grammy Winner Vs Grammy Winner, A Song for You

Welcome back to my Battle of the Bands. Unfortunately musicians have been passing away quit frequently this month. My inspiration for this Battle comes from one of those recent deaths. I already wrote the tribute this is just a little more.

The Song: A Song For You

Contestant One: Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera

Contestant Two: Ray Charles

The great Leon Russell passed away over the weekend. "A Song for You" had been covered by a lot of artists so it was a great fit for this Battle of the Bands. Vote in the comments. I'll announce the winner soon. Like this Battle and want more? Check out the list of other Battles at this blog. I will be back with a new post soon!

Battle of the Bands Update: Merry Clayton

When I chose Merry Clayton as a participant on my October 1, 2015 Battle of the Bands that she recently had both of her legs amputated due to a near fatal car accident in 2014. I did vnot know she was going to be honored this month by the American Jazz Foundation with the first ever "Clark and Gwen Terry Courage Award."

I knew her because she provided the original female vocals on the chosen song for my Rocktober Battle of the Band song "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones. I thought her own version of the song would be cool to feature.



She lost the Battle to Grand Funk Railroad and Grand Funk Railroad had their day as victors wish you can revisit here.

However with all that Merry Clayton is going through and still have the attitude of "I Still have the voice" I think she deserves a post as well!

Here she talks about doing that song, Mick Jagger offers his thoughts, and a bit of just her..

Interesting trivia early in her career she worked with Ray Charles as one of The Raelettes. Her backup vocals ended up helping singers such as Pearl Bailey, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Carol King, Neil Young and more. If backing up The Rolling Stones on "Gimme Shelter" wasn't big enough her vocals also are featured on Lynyrd Skynyrds "Sweet Home Alabama."

In the 80s there was a movie called "Dirty Dancing" which was kind of big. Merry Clayton
is featured on the soundtrack with a song called "Yes"..

Here is a funky song called "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow"

I didn't realize she also was featured on the Tori Amos song "Cornflake Girl" and was married to jazz musician Curtis Amy. Curtis brother is Sam Clayton who was a percussionist with Little Feat.

Merry Clayton plans to continue to sing and her voice will be featured on the  next Coldplay album.

I will be back with a new post soon.

Remebering Ray Charles

Ten years ago Ray Charles passed away.

He hit the road.."Hit the Road Jack"

Try is we might.."I Can't Stop Loving You"

"Georgia on my Mind" and Ray Charles in our thoughts..

Really there is no better way to pay tribute to Ray Charles but to share his legacy he left behind..his music.

Thank you for the music Ray Charles

Happy Birthday to four Greats

Roy Buchanan, John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen all share today as there birthday! A guitar master, a jazz legend, a musical icon and rocker! 

Roy Buchanan was a guitar wizard..enjoy

John Coltrane..Blue Train

Ray Charles..

and the Boss, Bruce Springsteen

It is rare when four greats have their birthday on the same day so enjoy!

The Fourth of July

Well it is a crazy July. Another Fourth of July is coming to a close. I was able to celebrate twice. Once last week as the County I live in had their celebration. Today, I drove over to Leesburg, Virginia and watched theirs! I like to watch them on the 4th of July!

Well I thought I would put together a collection of Patriotic songs to keep the party going!

First up is "Living in America," I love that old school funk and James Brown was a master!

I also love the blues and I just found this version today. Here is some Keb Mo doing "America the Beautiful"

Well even the U.S. gets the Blues here are the Dead...

Hey it is all about fun, Brad Paisley tells you about it here..

Ray Charles is another master...

and we have somethings we should never forget like Alan Jackson sings about the world stopped spinning..

and I will end with the Star Spangled Banner..

Well thanks to those who serve to make America what it is! I hope you enjoy the tunes and the Holiday! I know there are a lot more songs out there if you have a favorite I miss add it in the comments! This is a light post, I was without power for a few days so I will be back with some heavier posts soon!