I just happened to notice a TV ad for Ray, an autobiographical drama about Ray Charles. This strikes me as a little disrespectful so soon after his death in June, mostly because it seems to me that he has to die in order to get a film made about him. Why do the greats have to die before they are recognized by the entertainment industry and their story is told?

To me, it just seems as if Ray Charles’ work and legacy deserve more than token shows of appreciation after his death.