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Explore how Ray Charles’s diverse musical genres, influences, and collaborations all culminated in his landmark recording of “America the Beautiful."

March 21, 7:30 pm

@ Mark Taper Forum

March 22, 2:30 pm

@ Mark Taper Forum

March 23, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm

@ Mark Taper Forum

ABOUT

MUSE/IQUE Presents ​

ACCORDING TO RAY

Ray Charles's Message to America​

Presented in Partnership with Center Theatre Group

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In our roaring season opener, we explore how Ray Charles’s diverse musical genres, influences, and collaborations all culminated in his landmark recording of “America the Beautiful.” This concert features the inimitable Brandon Victor Dixon and DC6 Singers Collective. 

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For the first few decades of his career, Ray Charles electrified us with his genius knack for blending gospel, blues, jazz, rock, and soul.

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Then, in 1972, the ultimate musical trailblazer did something even he’d never done before: he infused his work with an anthemic message of empathy at a time when we really needed it. With his album A Message from the People, and its cornerstone reinterpretation of “America The Beautiful,” Charles expressed his own vision of America—confronting our contradictions and lighting a path back toward our ideals.

 

In this rousing performance, MUSE/IQUE brings to life Charles’s remarkable career, with genre-spanning hits like “Hit the Road Jack” to “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and more, and explores the crucial role his music plays in shaping our collective vision of America. 

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Presented in partnership with Center Theatre Group.

 

2025 CTG:FWD programming at the Mark Taper Forum is made possible through the generous support of the S. Mark Taper Foundation. Additional funding is provided by gifts to the Artistic Director Discretionary Fund.

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Proudly sponsored by Classical California KUSC

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Classical California KUSC is the #1 classical music radio station in the nation. KUSC and Muse/ique share a mission to broaden musical perspectives and expand access to transformative music experiences. Listen to KUSC on the radio at 91.5 FM in Los Angeles and Orange County, online at kusc.org, and our free smartphone apps on Apple and Android. And check out our streams online and on our website including our exclusive video game music stream called Arcade, a move music stream and more.​

ADMISSIONS

MUSE/IQUE is a member-driven organization. Membership gives you admissions to 12 months of MUSE/IQUE events, beginning the moment you sign up! The more you give, the more you support us in our mission to bring life-changing live music to all.​

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Click here to find a membership level that best suits you. 

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