Ray Charles (1930-2004), the “Genius”, the man who fused gospel, blues and country until he had invented soul, performed four times at the Montreux Jazz Festival, across three editions: on 13 July 1978 and on 16 and 17 July 1991 at the Casino, then on 19 July 1997 at the Auditorium Stravinski. That last concert became the best known: seventy-three minutes, eighteen songs, with his orchestra led by saxophonist Al Jackson and the Raelettes. Released on video and later on Blu-ray, it remains one of the most watched documents in the festival’s archives.
Ray Charles in Montreux: four concerts, nineteen years apart
Seventy-three minutes
Ray Charles played Montreux four times, across three editions of the festival: on 13 July 1978 at the Casino, then two nights running on 16 and 17 July 1991, again at the Casino, and finally on 19 July 1997, this time at the Auditorium Stravinski, the great hall inaugurated four years earlier. That last concert is the one people know, because it was filmed and released.
He was sixty-six. On stage, his big band was led by saxophonist Al Jackson, and the Raelettes, his long-standing backing singers, were with him. Eighteen songs in seventy-three minutes.
The programme naturally delivered the monuments (“Georgia on My Mind”, “What’d I Say”, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Busted”) but also less expected choices: “Scotia Blues”, an Oscar Peterson instrumental, and “Watch Them Dogs” sung with the Raelettes.
What remains in Montreux
The 1997 concert was released on video, then on DVD and Blu-ray, under the title “Live at Montreux 1997”.
The heart of the festival since 1993: under one roof, the Auditorium Stravinski and the halls that host half the history of music every summer.
Music recorded in Montreux
1997
A Song for You (Live at Montreux 1997)
From the concert of 19 July 1997 at the Auditorium Stravinski, released as “Live at Montreux 1997”. Ray Charles performs “A Song for You” with his big band and the Raelettes.
