Introduction:
The film “Ray” provides educators with a unique opportunity to engage students in the life and music of Ray Charles while exploring deeper themes of civil rights and resilience. This biographical drama about Ray Charles’ rise to fame, despite being blind since childhood, can be incorporated into the classroom setting in various ways. Let’s look at some effective teaching methods that will enable students to understand Ray Charles’ impact on music, his struggles with discrimination, and how the movie highlights these significant moments in his life.
Discussing Music:
One of the primary ways to teach students about the Ray movie is by incorporating discussions on music. Begin by introducing students to Ray Charles’ unique blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. Analyze his famous songs like “I Got a Woman,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “Georgia on My Mind.” Trace the development of his style and experimentations over time.
Students can also be encouraged to learn about other African-American musicians influenced by Ray Charles or from the same era. Investigate how their music intersected with broader social issues during the mid-20th century.
Civil Rights Context:
To understand Ray Charles’ personal journey better, it is essential to contextualize his story within the broader civil rights movement. As portrayed in the movie, discuss major events such as his refusal to play in segregated venues or his support for Martin Luther King Jr.
Incorporate primary source materials such as speeches, newspaper articles, and documentaries about this crucial era in American history. Engaging students in this contextual analysis will help them recognize how cultural figures like Ray Charles contributed to social change far beyond just their music.
Personal Struggles:
An essential aspect of “Ray” is understanding how he overcame numerous challenges both personally and professionally. Discuss with your students about how losing his sight from a young age, and his experiences with drug addiction and racism, informed his music and made him a symbol of resilience.
Encourage students to research or write essays on the challenges faced by other musicians or public figures to draw meaningful connections and reflect on how overcoming adversity can shape a person’s life.
Artistic Analysis:
Consider analyzing the various artistic elements in the “Ray” movie, from its direction and cinematography to the standout acting performance by Jamie Foxx. Discuss how these elements immerse viewers in Ray Charles’ world and contribute to our understanding of his life.
Conclusion:
Incorporating the Ray movie as an instructional tool offers a transformative experience that combines the appreciation for art, music, history, and social issues simultaneously. It carries deep-rooted historical significance that comes to life through Ray Charles’ personal story, ultimately allowing students to connect with far-reaching concepts more meaningfully.
