This concert/theater work brings the music and the story of the great Ray Charles to vivid life! Portraying Ray, master pianist/vocalist, Kenny Brawner leads his 11 piece orchestra and three sultry vocalists (a la the Raelettees), performing this American legend’s most popular hits: “What’d I Say?”, “I Got A Woman”, “Mess Around”, “Georgia On My Mind”, a blazing hot duet on “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, and many more! The music is interwoven with monologues depicting how gospel, blues, jazz, and country-influenced Ray’s style, while also reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home
Ray On My Mind
Intro
This concert/theater work brings the music and the story of the great Ray Charles to vivid life! Portraying Ray, master pianist/vocalist, Kenny Brawner leads his 11 piece orchestra and three sultry vocalists (a la the Raelettees), performing this American legend’s most popular hits: “What’d I Say?”, “I Got A Woman”, “Mess Around”, “Georgia On My Mind”, a blazing hot duet on “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, and many more! The music is interwoven with monologues depicting how gospel, blues, jazz, and country-influenced Ray’s style, while also reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home to Georgia.
Ray On My Mind assembles an orchestra of profoundly accomplished musicians whose performances are ingrained in American popular culture. Members of the orchestra have been heard prolifically on Broadway, Off-Broadway, film, and television. They have performed all over the world and recorded with a diverse range of influential musical giants, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Darius Rucker, Jennifer Hudson, Sonny Rollins, Big Daddy Kane, Bo Diddley, the Sun Ra Arkestra, the Mighty Sparrow, Roy Ayers, Sam & Dave, Ashford and Simpson, Gregory Porter, Boy George, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, David Murray, Eric Benet, Larry Coryell, John Popper, Lester Bowie, Shaggy, Ron Carter and Rihanna.
Video
Audio
FORMATS
Standard Performance
15-member ensemble led by actor/pianist Kenny Brawner, plus an 11-piece orchestra and three female vocalists.
> An Evening w/
> Festival Headliner
OUTREACH
Alan Swyer a close friend and producer of Ray Charles remarks, “Kenny Brawner and his band are keeping alive not just the artistry but also the soul of Ray Charles.” In keeping with this endeavor the “Ray On My Mind” troupe offers educational component in addition to concert performances. Class/Workshop topics may include:
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- The historical development of Jazz and Rhythm & Blues.
- Ray Charles’ historical contributions and influences.
- Musicianship, with an emphasis on improvisation.
- The Music Business and it’s relationship to the working musician.
Please contact your SRO Artist Representative if you are interested in these or other Outreach options for Ray On My Mind.
PROMO ASSETS
Documents
Artist Bio (Kenny Brawner) | PDF
Images
^2023 – Images by Thomas Salus
^General use publicity images
^Kenny Brawner
Featured Media
REVIEWS
ARIZONA MUSICFEST
“The show was great! We all enjoyed working with Kenny, the band, and the “Raelettes”! The energy, songs, and storytelling from Kenny made it a thoroughly entertaining experience for everyone.” (Jay Good, Concerts Director)
NEW YORK TIMES
“The sound of Mr. Brawner singing is the stuff of an immediate good mood.”
QUEENS CHRONICLE
“[Ray On My Mind] is a reminiscent love letter to Ray Charles’ music that celebrates the life of one of the godfathers of blues and, by extension, early rock ‘n’ roll. Brawner plays the piano full-out for every song, glazing over any mistake with speed and soul, much like Charles and other piano players of the time.” Full Review
COULUMBUSITE
“Jazz Legend Kenny Brawner has Georgia, and Ray Charles, On His Mind.” Full Feature Interview
NEW YORK CITY STAGE
“What a show it was! Between hits, Kenny Brawner delighted the audience with anecdotes of Ray Charles’ life.”
THEATER IS EASY
“Brawner is a blues singer extraordinaire, whose voice is magical!”
DO SAVANNAH
“Brawner’s musicianship and acting chops combine into an uncanny portrayal of Ray Charles.” Full Review