All this stuff about Ray has me digging up memories (both good and not so good) about working with Ray at the Chicago Jazz Festival. I "forced" Mr Charles (with money) to perform with a recreation of his old band with Fathead, Hank, Marcus, etc. It was both wonderful and a bummer at the same time. If I have time to sort this stuff out (in my scrambled head), I will post some details. I am trying to sort out the complete personnel. I think we used Pretty Purdie on drums and unfortunately, Phil Upchurch on bass! I wanted to include Don Wilkerson in the band, but Fathead and Hank said "there will be nothing for him to play".
My favorite memory is Hank kissing me after the gig and him saying "People been trying to do this for years, and you finally did it". I'm not certain Ray felt the same way. I don't think that sort of thing happened again.