The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind has informed Historic City News that the Ray Charles commemorative stamp will be unveiled in a ceremony on Monday, November 18, on the same campus where the legendary musical performer attended high school classes while in St Augustine.
The public can watch the ceremonies without charge, live from the school at 10:00 a.m. by visiting the school’s website at http://livestream.com/fsdb
“We look forward to celebrating the legacy of Ray Charles; an extraordinary composer, singer and pianist,” said Mary Lou Hofmann, Principal of the Blind Department. “His numerous achievements serve as inspiration for our students, so they too, can aspire to and reach great heights in their chosen professions.”
Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 and was blind since childhood. On what would have been his 83rd birthday; Ray Charles was inducted into the U.S. Postal Service “Music Icons Forever” stamp series.
Blind and visually impaired student musicians with the school’s “Outta Sight” band will perform two of the late performer’s most memorable hit songs, “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road Jack” as well as his rendition of “America the Beautiful”.
Due to limited space and logistical concerns, only blind and visually impaired students, their teachers and staff, and invited guests will be able to attend the ceremony in person.
Speakers for the celebratory program include school president, Dr. Jeanne Glidden Prickett; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Christopher Wagner; US Congresswoman Corinne Brown; Flagler College Chancellor, Dr. William L. Proctor; USPS District Manager for the Gulf Atlantic District, Charles J. Miller; and First Vice President of the Jacksonville Council of the Blind, Barbara Brown.
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