Ray Charles lived his life with no regrets, regardless of the ups or the downs. After dropping his sight at 7 years old, and his parents passing away while he was a teenager, he went on to experience remarkable success as a vocalist, songwriter and musician.

Charles didn’t often agree to interviews, but in this rare and lengthy conversation he had with Wink Martindale in 1970 he offered an introspective take a look at his personal existence and storied career. He reflects on his musical affects, his advancement as an artist and his continuing love of executing.