These first concerts he ever gave in Europe, opened the door for Ray Charles to become one of the most revered international stars America has ever produced. The original 16mm films have been newly transferred and digitally restored and remastered, capturing Ray Charles at the peak of his powers, the very essence of "genius". This film was produced by the GRAMMY-nominated filmmakers at Reelin' In The Years Productions.
In addition to Charles, headliners for the 1961 Antibes Jazz Festival included Count Basie, Les McCann and jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Footage from the festival was originally edited into nine different "Best of the Antibes Jazz Festival" programs. Broadcast on France's RTF channel from summer 1961 through spring 1962, these programs provided the inspiration for "Ray Charles Live in France 1961." The film's worldwide premiere will take place Oct. 20, presented by the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles.
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