Each book is housed in a silver slipcase, debossed with an image of Ray Charles' microphones at RPM Studios.Ī pocket on the inside back cover of each book holds an A5-sized folding booklet. This detailing is reproduced directly from the cuff of one of Ray Charles' monogrammed shirts. On the back cover are the embroidered initials 'RC'. The Collector Edition comprises copies numbered 501-2,500 with every copy bound by hand with a foil-blocked leather spine, silver page edging, and a portrait of Ray inset on the cloth cover. The Collector Copies Ray Charles - Yes Indeed! 'What meant most to him? Living every inch of his life to the fullest. David has also signed 2,000 copies in the edition. I would have paid anything to get it.' Ahmet ErtegunĪ Preface by the photo-journalist and Ray Charles Marketing Group archivist Janet Macoska, and an Introduction by Joe Adams himself, give the story behind the photographs and the friendship which led to them.įinally, an essay by Ray Charles' friend and biographer, David Ritz, provides a personal insight into 'The Genius' and his musical and spiritual legacy. 'I heard 'Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand' on the Swing Time label and I said, 'Oh my God, I wish we could have an artist like that.' So we bought his contract for $3000. 'Ray Charles is, for me, the greatest music icon of the 20th century' from the Foreword by Bill Wyman
The Foreword is provided by Bill Wyman plus a 20,000-word manuscript by Ray's friends and fellow musicians - including Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson - exclusive to this signed book. Including previously unpublished text from Ray Charles himself, Yes Indeed! provides first-hand testimony of both man and musician, highlighting Ray's inspirational musicianship and fierce intelligence. That we liked and, most importantly, respected each other.' Joe Adams Very fortunate to have the privilege of being associated with another guy, and Them to take away from it the fact that the pictures are taken by a guy who was We are fortunate to get to share his rare view behind-the-scenes with his best friend, Ray Charles.' Janet Macoska - Ray Charles Marketing Group 'When Joe picked up his Nikon to record scenes on the road with Ray Charles, he made magic without even working up a sweat. Described as the 'man behind the man', his images bear witness to his instrumental role in Charles' career.įrom his privileged standpoint, Joe Adams photographed legendary performances (such as 1973's appearance with Aretha Franklin on The Midnight Special) and also rare moments such as Ray relaxing backstage with his beloved chessboard - even at the cockpit of his private jet. Joe was Ray Charles' manager, business partner and friend for 45 years. He got closer to Ray than anyone.' David Ritz
Nearly all in full colour, the collection presents a vibrant record of Ray's life from the early Sixties until his passing in 2004.'Over a period of some 45 years, only one person penetrated Ray's privacy: Joe Adams. The book unveils a cache of photographs recently discovered at RPM Studios in Los Angeles, the creative centre of Ray Charles' life and work. The Photography Ray Charles - Yes Indeed!