Letter from Ray Charles to President Clinton, and note in return from President Clinton to Ray Charles

Letter from Ray Charles to President Clinton, and note in return from President Clinton to Ray Charles

An exchange of letters between Ray Charles and President Clinton that starts out with the singer expressing his appreciation for the President’s commendation that was read out publicly during the presentation of the prestigious Polar Music Prize in Stockholm. Charles, 68 at the time, says when you get to be that old, one becomes more thankful for what might appear, at first glance, inconsequential things. He goes on to refer to a song by Johnny Cash (recorded by him) entitled “I am Just A Crazy Old Soldier Fighting A War Of My Own.” According to Charles, “In one verse there is a lyric that says, ‘You think I’d give up as many times as I’ve been hit, but like a crazy old soldier I just don’t know when to quit.’” Clinton responds with, “I loved your letter. I am like your crazy old soldier, not about to quit.”

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum

JPEG