In 9-11 Tribute, NFL and MLB Teams to Play Ray Charles' 'America' at This Sunday's Games

In 9-11 Tribute, NFL and MLB Teams to Play Ray Charles' 'America' at This Sunday's Games

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sun., Sept. 11, at National Football League stadiums and Major League Baseball parks throughout the country, sports fans will share in a special Ray Charles-themed 9-11 tribute, it was announced today.

In a special arrangement with the Genius Marketing Company, the exclusive licensing company for Ray Charles Enterprises, a host of sports team, the number of which is expanding almost hourly, will broadcast a video on their park big screens of Charles performing his unforgettable rendition of "America The Beautiful."

According to spokesperson Tony Gumina, "'America the Beautiful' is my friend Ray's lasting legacy to his fellow citizens.

"A loving tribute that he had spoken about and was especially proud of."

Charles had his first hit on Nov. 11, 1957 but one of his most memorable is "America The Beautiful."

While he traveled the world, playing at the biggest venues and festivals on the planet, Charles always loved coming home.

In summer 2002, he commemorated the 30th anniversary of this his popular version of "America The Beautiful."

Charles truly popularized the song over the past three decades, following its debut on his ground-breaking album, "A Message from the People."

Quincy Jones arranged the music.

When "America The Beautiful" was first released in 1972 as a single, it was a slow seller.

In 1976, Charles' version got an unexpected reprise when it was used at the Winter Olympics to accompany the U.S. ice skaters.

A re-release of the song sent it soaring on the charts.

Since then, Charles sang it over and over at hundreds of performances yearly, always by popular demand.

He sang it at both the World Series and the Super Bowl.

Asked about his interpretation, Charles said: "I put a little country backbeat on it and turned it my way."

During his 58-year show business career, Charles won 21 Grammy(R) awards.

Source: Genius Marketing Company

CONTACT: Jerry Digney, or Elaine Pacheco, both of SOLTERS & DIGNEY, +1-323-651-9300, for Genius Marketing Company

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