RN’s last Ray Charles’ Concert

Radio National’s ‘Live On Stage’ program this afternoon will re-broadcast the last recorded concert of Ray Charles.

The concert will go to air at 7pm (EST), with a further replay on Sunday at 4pm.

The ABC recorded Charles at last year’s Melbourne International Music & Blues Festival. With his unmistakeable voice, he performed classics like ‘Route 66’, ‘Hallelujah, I Love Her So’, ‘Georgia On My Mind’, ‘Song For You’ and ‘Angelina’.

Charles was accompanied by his quartet and also played electric piano.

In granting Radio National special permission to re-broadcast the concert, Ray Charles’ management says the performance is unique in two ways: it is the first time he recorded ‘live’ in a quartet setting, and it has become his last ‘live’ recording.

They were also delighted with the quality of the ABC’s recording and
will try to release the concert on CD.