I watch with a number of others as the blind man RAY CHARLES Is lead onto the stage.With dark glasses covering his eyes Like black bandages. Once seated at the piano his hands touch the keys And with head thrown back and body moving from side to side Lips open and sound comes rushing out like a train going through a Tunnel of night or an escaping convict finally free With jerking motions like one sitting on an emotional hot wire Blown down in an unforgiving storm with WHAT I SAY GEORGIA ON MY MIND I GOT A WOMAN WAY OVER TOWN THAT'S GOOD TO ME and listeners sit transfixed that so much talent could come from one blind man to compose and sing the blues From the blood and guts of hard times