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The Best Seattle News This Week (December 18th)

The Best Seattle News This Week (December 18th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Seattle.

Matthew Larsen
December 18, 2023

Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

Real estate developments in Seattle
Seattle Kraken updates
A deep dive into the life of Ray Charles
And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Seattle is known as the birthplace of a music genre that gained popularity in the early 1990s, characterized by its heavy guitar sound and introspective lyrics. What is this genre called?

A) Punk Rock

B) Heavy Metal

C) Grunge

D) Alternative Rock

News

💼 Business

Multiple retail stores in Seattle announced closures during this period, citing various reasons such as decreased foot traffic, economic challenges, and strategic shifts in business models. These closures reflect the changing landscape of retail in the city and the impact of online shopping.

Real Estate Developments in Seattle: There were several announcements about new real estate development projects in Seattle, including commercial and residential buildings. These developments are part of the city's ongoing efforts to address housing demand and revitalize certain areas.

🏒 Sports

Seattle Kraken's Performance: Updates on the Seattle Kraken, Seattle's NHL team, could not be retrieved due to access restrictions on the selected web pages. For more detailed information, you may consider checking local Seattle sports news websites directly.

Famous People In Seattle History

Ray Charles: 1930-2004

Early Life and Musical Foundations (1930-1948)

Ray Charles Robinson, known professionally as Ray Charles, was born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia. He moved to Seattle, Washington, as a young man, where his music career began to flourish. Seattle played a pivotal role in Charles's development as a musician. It was here that he met Quincy Jones, and the city's vibrant jazz scene deeply influenced his musical style.

Rise to Fame and Pioneering Sound (1949-1959)

In Seattle, Charles honed his skills, playing in various nightclubs and developing a sound that blended jazz, gospel, and blues. His time in Seattle was transformative, marking the beginning of his path to becoming a groundbreaking musician.

Commercial Success and Musical Innovation (1960-1979)

Ray Charles rose to international fame with hits like "Georgia on My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack." His innovative blend of genres and soulful voice resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him the nickname "The Genius."

Continued Influence and Activism (1980-2004)

Throughout his career, Charles remained an influential figure in music, known for his activism and contributions to civil rights causes. He continued to record and perform, inspiring generations of musicians.

Death and Enduring Legacy (2004)

Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004. Though not a native of Seattle, his time in the city was crucial in his early career. Charles left behind a legacy as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, and his impact on music continues to be felt today.

Key Achievements of Ray Charles:

Pioneer in the genre of soul music, blending R&B, gospel, and blues.
Winner of 17 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades.
Recorded numerous hits and timeless classics.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
His music and legacy continue to influence artists across various genres.