"Music's been around a long time, and there's going to be music long after Ray Charles is dead. I just want to make my mark, leave something musically good behind. If it's a big record, that's the frosting on the cake, but music's the main meal"

In this quote, Ray Charles reflects on the long-lasting nature of music and his individual goals within this timeless art kind. His statement is both modest and extensive, discussing styles of legacy, contribution, and the intrinsic worth of music itself.

Charles begins by acknowledging that music is an ancient and everlasting type of expression. By stating "Music's been around a long period of time, and there's going to be music long after Ray Charles is dead", he positions himself within a continuum of artists and creators throughout history. This perspective highlights the transience of private lives compared to the permanence of music itself. He recognizes that while his own existence is short-lived, music will continue to prosper and evolve.

The core of Charles's statement is his desire to "make my mark, leave something musically great behind". Here, he reveals a deep yearning to add to this continuous tradition. For Charles, creating music is not simply about attaining fame or industrial success; rather, it is about leaving a meaningful, lasting effect. This shows a bigger creative values, where the focus is on creating art that resonates, motivates, and stands the test of time.

Charles further elaborates by comparing achieving a "big record" to "the icing on the cake", while explaining music as "the main meal". This metaphor recommends that while commercial success and recognition (the "frosting") are preferable, they are not the primary driving forces behind his creativity. The "main meal", or the essence of his pursuit, is the music itself.

Overall, Ray Charles's quote underscores an approach fixated substance over external validation. It highlights the intrinsic worth of music as an art kind and functions as a tip of the value of passion and credibility in creative ventures. Like numerous fantastic artists, Charles intended to create work that mattered, that connected with people on a deep level, and that would outlive him, becoming part of the ever-evolving tapestry of music history.