OK, so Ollie's asleep at the wheel. News about Seattle has gone unposted. Slacker.
Ray Charles, The Genius of Soul, who died yesterday of liver disease at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 73, began his career in Seattle when he was just 17.
The blind singer-pianist lived here only three years, from 1948 to '50, but he always acknowledged that the city, its musicians and its welcoming atmosphere helped shape his groundbreaking musical style and his philosophy of life.
"Seattle is the town where I made my first record. And if you ever want to say where I got my start, you have to say that. Because that was the thing that got me known."
He was referring to his first single, "Confession Blues."
I can't believe I didn't know this already.
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