Ray (2004)

Ray (2004), directed by Taylor Hackford, is a biographical drama that traces the turbulent yet extraordinary life of legendary musician Ray Charles, played masterfully by Jamie Foxx. The film dives deep into Charles’ rise to fame, his personal demons, and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest American musicians of the 20th century.

Detailed Summary

Childhood and Early Struggles

The film begins with young Ray Charles Robinson in the segregated South, growing up in poverty with his mother, Aretha Robinson. At the age of seven, Ray witnesses the tragic death of his younger brother George, who drowns in a laundry tub. Shortly after, Ray begins to lose his sight due to glaucoma. His mother refuses to let his blindness define him, teaching him resilience and independence—valuable lessons that shape his future.

Rise to Fame

Ray leaves home as a teenager to pursue music. He begins playing piano at clubs and eventually makes his way to Seattle, where he starts to develop his unique blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and country. Ray’s big break comes when he signs with Atlantic Records, where he records hits like Mess Around and I Got a Woman, songs that redefine American music and launch him into stardom.

Fame, Women, and Addiction

As Ray’s career skyrockets, so do his personal struggles. He becomes addicted to heroin, a battle that will consume decades of his life. He also engages in numerous affairs, most notably with Margie Hendricks, one of his backup singers in The Raelettes, while remaining married to his wife, Della Bea Robinson. The film doesn’t shy away from showing Ray’s contradictions—his genius on stage and his flaws off it.

Confronting Racism and Exploitation

The movie highlights the racial segregation of the era, with Ray refusing to play at segregated venues, most famously in Georgia. This leads to him being banned from performing in the state for years. The film also shows how record labels initially exploit him until he gains the leverage to negotiate unprecedented artistic control over his music.

Breaking Point

Ray’s heroin addiction deepens, causing friction in his marriage, professional relationships, and health. After Margie’s tragic death, Ray finally seeks help. He enters rehab, where he experiences painful withdrawal but ultimately finds the strength to fight his addiction.

Movie Ending

The film’s conclusion is both emotional and redemptive. After completing rehab, Ray emerges sober, choosing his family and health over heroin. He reconciles with his wife Della Bea and begins a new chapter of his career.

One of the most powerful moments comes when Georgia lifts its ban on Ray, publicly apologizing for its past segregationist policies. Ray then performs Georgia on My Mind, which later becomes the official state song—a poetic resolution considering his earlier refusal to play segregated venues.

The ending emphasizes Ray’s legacy: a man who overcame poverty, blindness, racism, and addiction to become one of the most influential musicians in history. Closing captions inform viewers that Ray remained sober for the rest of his life, was awarded numerous honors, and left behind an unparalleled musical legacy before his death in 2004.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Ray does not include post-credits scenes. The film ends with a montage of Ray’s real-life achievements accompanied by captions, followed by the credits.

Type of Movie

Ray is a biographical drama with strong elements of music, history, and tragedy. It blends emotional storytelling with electrifying musical performances.

Cast

• Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles
• Kerry Washington as Della Bea Robinson
• Regina King as Margie Hendricks
• Clifton Powell as Jeff Brown
• Harry Lennix as Joe Adams
• Terrence Howard as Gossie McKee
• Bokeem Woodbine as Fathead Newman

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack features Ray Charles’ original recordings, which Jamie Foxx lip-syncs to with uncanny precision. The film’s score was composed by Craig Armstrong, but it is Charles’ own music—Hit the Road Jack, Georgia on My Mind, What’d I Say—that drives the film emotionally and historically.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in several U.S. locations:

• New Orleans, Louisiana: Used for many of the concert and club scenes due to its strong musical heritage.
• Shreveport, Louisiana: Provided authentic Southern backdrops to recreate Ray’s early life.
• California: Some scenes, particularly industry and performance sequences, were shot in Los Angeles.

The choice of locations was crucial for grounding the story in the South, where both Ray’s roots and the racial struggles he faced are deeply tied.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards (2005):
  • Won: Best Actor (Jamie Foxx)
  • Won: Best Sound Mixing
  • Nominated: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design
• Golden Globe Awards: Jamie Foxx won Best Actor (Musical/Comedy).
• Foxx also received a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award, completing a rare sweep of major acting honors.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Jamie Foxx wore prosthetic eyelids glued shut for up to 14 hours a day to portray Ray’s blindness.
• Foxx, a classically trained pianist, played all the piano parts himself.
• Ray Charles personally worked with Jamie Foxx before his death, giving him approval to play the role.
• Charles passed away just months before the film’s release, making the premiere bittersweet.
• Taylor Hackford had been trying to make the film for nearly 15 years before it finally came to fruition.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Ray Charles’ life story, with inspiration drawn directly from his autobiography Brother Ray (co-written with David Ritz). The adaptation condenses and dramatizes parts of his life but stays largely faithful to the events.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate endings are known, some deleted scenes expand on Ray’s relationships, particularly with his wife and The Raelettes. These were cut for pacing, but many appear in DVD extras.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Compared to Brother Ray, the film streamlines events for dramatic effect. For example:

• Some of Ray’s affairs are merged into a composite character (Margie).
• His struggles with heroin are condensed but remain accurate.
• The timeline of certain songs and events is slightly altered to fit the narrative arc.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Young Ray’s mother teaching him to stand strong despite his blindness.
• Ray recording I Got a Woman, blending gospel with rhythm and blues.
• The heartbreaking death of Margie.
• Ray’s painful heroin withdrawal scene in rehab.
• The triumphant performance of Georgia on My Mind after Georgia lifts its ban.

Iconic Quotes

• Ray’s Mother: “You’re blind, not stupid.”
• Ray Charles: “I hear like you see.”
• Ray Charles: “Ain’t nothing wrong with it. It’s just making gospel better.” (about mixing gospel with R&B)
• Ray Charles: “I might be blind, but I ain’t stupid!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s costumes and sets closely replicate photographs of Ray’s real concerts.
• Jamie Foxx occasionally improvised dialogue after watching old interviews with Ray.
• In one scene, Ray tells a producer he wants “artistic control”—a nod to the real Charles, one of the first African American artists to demand ownership of his masters.

Trivia

• Jamie Foxx lost 30 pounds to portray Ray in his early career days.
• Foxx is one of the few actors to win the “Big Four” acting awards in one year (Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA).
• Ray Charles himself approved Kerry Washington to play his wife, saying she reminded him of Della Bea.
• The production used Ray’s actual touring bus for authenticity.

Why Watch?

Because Ray is more than a biopic—it’s a celebration of resilience, music, and the power of human will. Jamie Foxx delivers one of the greatest acting performances of the 21st century, capturing not just Ray’s sound but his soul. If you love music, history, or stories of triumph over adversity, this film is essential viewing.

Director’s Other Movies (Taylor Hackford)

• An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
• Against All Odds (1984)
• Dolores Claiborne (1995)
• The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
• Proof of Life (2000)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Walk the Line (2005)
• Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
• Walk the Line (2005)
• Bird (1988)
• What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)
• Dreamgirls (2006)