Tag: Ray Charles

Jacksonville Jazz Festival Poster 2019

Posted onAuthorDave Burkey

New York, artist and jazz aficionado Keith Henry Brown was commissioned for this year’s Jazz Festival poster. Brown said he was drawn to LaVilla’s musical history, noting Ray Charles got his start in Jacksonville, playing piano for bands at the Ritz Theatre in LaVilla. Ray Read More …

Ray Charles got his start in Jacksonville, playing piano for bands at the Ritz Theatre in LaVilla

Posted onAuthorDave Burkey

Ray Charles Robinson, who had attended the Deaf and Blind School in St. Augustine, moved to LaVilla to stay with friends of his mother after she passed.   He stayed for just over a year, earning $4 a night. He then moved to Seattle as he Read More …