Comments

Ray , is kewl.. he also said somthing like this.." wither your right or wrong does not make a difference, what matters is that you are going forward in the right direction"

Posted by /pd at February 14, 2005 12:22 PM

As I read your post I remembered a link that I recieved during the weekend from an old friend. It is a clear example of someone who "reimagined" his life and is in the process of constructing a LOVEMARK. He's a 34 year old Colombian who had to flee Colombia because of security reasons; leaving his family, friends, passions, etc. behind and now has started and awsome company with a real CAUSE behind it. He sell's DGT (DoGood T-Shirts) for $25 and donates 80% to charities and organizations (UNICEF,American Red Cross,International Kids Fund, MUSH, etc.)to help in needy causes.

We should all reimagine a new life in which our actions result in making people "feel good, by doing good"...thats an awsome lovemark. If your intered visit: www.dogoodtshirts.com

Posted by JPC at February 15, 2005 12:07 AM

Ray was great. He's another example of how artists can be excellent role models for innovation: in any field. Think of how the Beatles went from 50s rock music to teeny bopper music to mind-blowing psychedelic stuff in the space of a few years. Picasso had similar bouts of dramatic reinvention.

Posted by AJ Hoge at February 15, 2005 2:24 AM

I'm quite overcome. (Maybe it's just the Redeye from SF.) But these Comments are so heartfelt! (Not to mention, Very Kewl.)

Posted by tom peters at February 15, 2005 10:14 AM

Okay. I watched it.

I wasn't going to until you, Tom, raved up and down about this film. Alright. You were right. So very, very right.

Ray was persistent although at first, it was about survival. Then he was challenged to go deeper and knew (way, WAY before Madonna) that he had to keep fresh and reinvent himself to retain the vibrancy his audiences demanded. He had to destroy and rebuild, although it was painful to watch.

Sometimes, we have to let go of the old and familiar in order to embrace that which will stretch us into becoming more than we ever thought we could be. Old friendships (in my opinion) are to be cherished. But if hanging out with the "same old, same old" isn't helping, then make plans to meet up for a reunion months down the road and include people in your life who will shake you up. Ray Charles did this, although it was brutal. The guy was obviously no saint but then again, he never claimed to be.

When a winner is a winner, everyone wants to be their friend. It takes a strong person who is grounded to know who to trust and who to let loose. It was a good message for those of us who are trying to make our own mark upon the world. Here's hoping we'll all be able to tell the difference. Timing has never been so important as now.

Posted by M. R. Maguire at February 16, 2005 12:41 AM

Hmmm. I am revising what I wrote before. (Too bad blog comments don't allow us to 'tweak' them..heh) Before, I said Ray reinvented himself to satisfy the demand of the audiences. Wrong. He heard the magic before they did and kept introducing a fresh sound which in turn, captivated them. His magic was his own and he followed its call whether or not people agreed with him.

That is what I think is so key in reinvention. To have the guts to create something new (even when what you have has been 'good enough'), believe in it and persevere in spite of the critics. And finally, you better be damn good at it.

Posted by M.R. Maguire at February 16, 2005 10:16 AM

Ray Charles refused to allow any obstacle to hamper his road to success, even when Fear constantly tried to bring him down by utilizing a variety of disguises. Ray Charles' brilliance as a musical artist and an extremely successful businessman was born from his refusal to settle for less than he deserved, his courage to perform his music in his own unique way, his determination to stand on his own two feet, and his inanate ability to see what sighted people so often refuse to see. A prime example of confidence being not only the key to reinvention, but the secret to true success! Wow!

Posted by Carol PIerce at February 18, 2005 2:22 AM