Ray Charles Feted by Valley Links

The invitation mandated black tie, but the mood at the San Fernando Valley Links’ second annual Top Hat award dinner honoring Ray Charles was decidedly un-stuffy.

While snippets of Charles’ songs played during a slide presentation, the audience sang and clapped along to the singer’s classic blues tunes.

Despite pleas from the crowd of 700 to “Sing it, Ray!” Charles made a brief acceptance speech and listened while others lauded him for his musical and humanitarian accomplishments. (Besides, it’s not the custom on the party circuit to make guests work when they’re being honored.) “I’m just overwhelmed by this,” he said. “I’m always hard-pressed to find the proper words--I’m not a speaker, you know, I try to sing.”

The Links chose Charles because he fit the bill as a positive role model for the black community. The organization is a black social and service group with chapters across the country; the San Fernando branch is 13 years old, has 27 members and has aided Para Los Ninos and the Valley Rescue Mission, among others. Proceeds from this benefit, estimated at $30,000, will go toward the Young Black Scholars program, which provides scholarships to young adults bound for college.

Example for Children

“We needed to honor someone--a male--who is a good role model,” said chapter president Ena Hannibal during a cocktail reception before the dinner, held at the Sheraton Premiere in Universal City Saturday night. “There aren’t too many black male role models. We wanted someone who had contributed to the community and been a great example for children. Ray Charles was chosen because of his artistry and his involvements with humanitarian efforts.” Among other activities, Charles has served as honorary chairman of the National Assn. for Sickle Cell Disease.

He didn’t come into the party with an entourage but acquired one instantly as fans, photographers and members of the Links organization latched on to the singer, hoping for a glimpse or a handshake. By the time he made it up to the dais there was a long string of admirers waiting to talk with him. “I hope you don’t mind talking to some fans,” one man said.

“Not at all,” Charles replied. “Without you I wouldn’t be here.”

Tribute From Ray Jr.

One of the evening’s most moving tributes came from one of Charles’ sons, Ray Charles Jr. “I think I could stay up here all night and talk about the wild things he did when we were growing up,” he said, briefly telling of his father’s attempts at driving a car and flying planes. “Dad, I have great admiration and respect for you, not only because I’m your son. You’ve maneuvered your way through life to overcome obstacles, and you didn’t let them dampen your spirits or your courage. Your will and determination to be the best you can be became your sight. You’re a sensitive and caring man who has touched a lot of lives with your heart and soul.”

Charles was most modest when asked if he considers himself a model for others. “Sweetheart,” he said, “I’m not a psychologist, and I’m not ducking your question. I just live. I don’t tell people how to live, unless someone asks me for my opinion. I don’t go preaching nothing to nobody.” And the fact that some do find him an inspiration “makes me feel good right here,” he said, patting his heart under his silver-and-black tuxedo.

A slide show chronicling his many musical, civic and philanthropic endeavors was narrated by Links member Leatrice Pride, actor Robert Guillaume and Truman Jacques, associate producer and moderator of “Today’s Religion.” Emcee Jim Hill, the CBS sports anchor, kept the crowd laughing with some humorous banter and Linda Hopkins kept them entertained with her songs.

Newcombe Presents

The Top Hat award was presented to Charles by last year’s winner, Don Newcombe. Newcombe, a former Dodger, now goes on international speaking tours to warn children and teen-agers of the perils of drugs. “I talk to them mostly about myself,” he said earlier in the evening, “how my life was ruined by alcohol. I lost my baseball career because of it.”

Also paying tribute to the singer was Mayor Tom Bradley, who proclaimed it “Ray Charles Day” in Los Angeles before dashing off to catch up with three other events that night. Charles also received a commendation from state Sen. Diane Watson and was the subject of a dedication from singer Hopkins. For him, she sang “Amazing Grace.”