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Your best essay yet, Robert. It’s rich and full of original insight. Especially good is the original insight about Brother Ray giving legitimacy to rock and roll. Rock was not accepted at that moment, but if it was good enough for “the Genius,” if he could find its smart spot, others could, too. Sweet!

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Thank you so much. Your kind words are deeply appreciated.

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Sep 4, 2022Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

This is the first of your essays I’ve read. Thank you so much - a wonderful and heartfelt piece. I’ll be coming back to it with my headphones so I can appreciate the accompanying clips. Looking forward to exploring your other pieces. I’ve forwarded the Elvis one to my partner.

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Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

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Aug 4, 2022Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

Top class issue 👏 As it turned out, I didn't know much about Ray Charles. Thanks for all the work you've put into writing this one 🙏

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Thanks Stygi! Appreciate it!

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Aug 4, 2022Liked by Robert C. Gilbert

Great read again Robert. Your essays make me want to dive into the albums with a new approach. It's like listening to an album you thought you knew for the first time. Very interesting to learn more about the line up of Basie's band for the Genius+Soul=Jazz album.

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Thank you for the very kind words!

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Great read Robert. I still remember that Cosby episode. After reading Ray Charles' autobiography many years ago, I am amazed how he went to Chicago alone and managed to navigate the streets of the city and find his way to stardom.

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Thanks for reading.

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Thanks for this great writing, Robert. What an inspirational man, and musician he has been. he came to New Zealand many years ago in a community role as an ambassador for a navigation system that provides guidance for blind people. I was Sales & Marketing Manager for the company providing the map data. He was in so many ways, an example for visually impaired people, that not only was he a great entertainer, but his lack of sight was not a disability for him. I didn't even have to click on the links for your videos to be able to hear him, as well as the fun ones like Night and Day.

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Charles was a giant in so many ways.

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