The Ray Charles concert at the Ephesus Ancient Theater was one of the first international concerts in the Great Theater of Ephesus, and many world stars followed. Ray Charles came to Ephesus in 1987, and Sting came in 1993.
Ray Charles, the legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist, performed at The Great Theatre of Ephesus in Izmir, Turkey on July 7, 1987. Charles’s play list included many of his greatest hits, such as “Georgia On My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” His soulful voice, combined with the rich harmonies of his band, filled the theater with a powerful and uplifting energy.
Ray Charles Concert and the First Izmir Festival
The Ray Charles concert is remembered as the beginning of the International Izmir Festival, which was held for the first time in 1987. The festival is organized by İKSEV, the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education, and it uses stages in the city of Izmir and in ancient Ephesus.
The festival is still held today. Sting came six years later, I wrote about his night in my post on the Sting concert at Ephesus in 1993. The building has its own story in my post on the Great Theater of Ephesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ray Charles have a connection to Turkey?
Yes, through his record label. Atlantic Records bought his contract in 1952, and Ahmet Ertegun, who was born in Istanbul, had co-founded that label in 1947.
Was Ray Charles blind when he played in Ephesus?
Yes. He began to lose his sight as a small child and was blind by the age of seven. In July 1987 he was 56 years old.
Ray Charles’s concert at the Ephesus Ancient Theater remains a highlight in the history of the venue and became one of the first international concerts to take place in Ephesus Grand Theater. Contact me to hire a professional tour guide in Ephesus and to learn more about concerts to take place in Ephesus Ancient City. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
