NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - Giant is a word that often comes to light when talking about that great Raymond Myles. He was a giant of a man with a big physique, with a giant personality and a giant voice, but he was so much more.
As a favorite around churches and arenas in New Orleans and beyond, Raymond's talents were often seen as other worldly. Thought we lost Raymond Myles tragically at the age of 40 to the same gun violence we deal with today, his contribution to Jazz Fest and the gospel world won't soon be forgotten.
Jazz Fest founder Quint Davis recalls, "First of all Raymond himself was a monster artist piano player, arranger, singer, one of the greatest ever from New Orleans. His whole sense of moving gospel music forward was really brilliant. He's one that in a way we lost too soon."
By all accounts every Raymond Myles and the Rams performance was something to witness. A documentary is currently being made about Raymond's remarkable life and legacy. The writer and producer is Leo Sacks, a dear friend of New Orleans who produced Raymond's only full length studio album called A Taste of Heaven. The album had so many great songs on it that it's still requested heavily on gospel radio in NOLA today.
"Just to see him live, and to see him work his magic on those fingers, and to conduct a group, and handle his own vocals all at the same time, brother was bad!! Gone too soon," says radio broadcaster Cap' N Kris McCoy.
Raymond Myles, the gospel genius of New Orleans. His spirit lives on as one of the Giants of the Fest.
The RAMS singers perform The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in the Gospel Tent Friday May 1st.
For information on and contributions to the Raymond Myles movie, contact Leo Sacks at Honey Darling Films. (leosaxe@earthlink.net)