Etta James and Ray Charles: Lives, Times, and Music
Few singers touch our souls as deeply as Etta James and Ray Charles. They took our breath away with naked emotional truth, whether crooning tenderly or smoking ‘em down. But each also transcended typical music labels, straddling jazz, blues, country, R & B, gospel, by creating their own unique soulful sound that was bigger than any genre. All the more extraordinary in light of the fact that each of these artists managed not only to survive their difficult early years, fighting Jim Crow laws on the road, they stood up for themselves as they carved out a unique place in music that we now call ‘soul’.
With in-depth biographical detail, archival footage, sing-a-longs and some live performance, we will explore the lives, times and music of these two Soul Masters. Guest accompanist John R. Burr will join Pamela 2/22 and 3/7.
Faculty Bio
Pamela Rose is a San Francisco jazz and blues vocalist. With seven recordings under her belt, Rose has toured nationally, celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz. She is on the faculty of the California Jazz Conservatory.
This is an Encore Course
- Encore courses are popular courses that were recorded a previous term.
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Member Praise for Pamela Rose
Pamela Rose is a wonderful instructor. She is very knowledgeable about the subject matter, personally invested, and enthusiastic.
I loved Pamela's joie-de-vivre and obvious delight in her subject. Plus her voice is amazing!
Pamela's enthusiasm and passion was contagious and her presentation and organization was excellent.
Faculty Q&A
- Read an interview with Pamela Rose from our archive