Above The Fruited Plain

Ray Charles overcame the obstacles of being born into extreme poverty in Albany, Georgia, and becoming completely blind by the age of seven to become a national treasure and a true symbol of the American Dream.

Charles' inspirational rendition of America The Beautiful captures the essence of what he has added to the rhythm and blues, jazz, pop and even country music genres.

As one of the most famous of American hymns, America The Beautiful has been performed at many tributes and memorials for the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks including an encore performance at the "America: Tribute To Heroes" telethon.

There are many more verses in the songs' lyrics than most people are readily familiar with. Charles' version includes the passage, "Oh, beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!" and thus exemplifies the acts of bravery and courage undertaken by those who lost their lives in the terror attacks.

Ray Charles was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986.

America The Beautiful, as recorded by Elvis Presley, has also been reviewed by MP3 Of The Day.