The Genius Wows Monmouth
In November 1967, Ray Charles performed for more than 3,000 people inside the then newly opened Boylan Gymnasium. As the Asbury Park Press reported, Charles transformed “that big, cold, stadium-type room into a hothouse of exuberant rhythm,” fielding questions from the audience, sharing stories about his upbringing, and even meeting backstage with a fan who […]
In November 1967, Ray Charles performed for more than 3,000 people inside the then newly opened Boylan Gymnasium. As the Asbury Park Press reported, Charles transformed “that big, cold, stadium-type room into a hothouse of exuberant rhythm,” fielding questions from the audience, sharing stories about his upbringing, and even meeting backstage with a fan who brought his blind son to the show. Monmouth has hosted some amazing musical acts through the years— from Billy Joel to The Four Seasons to Sammy Davis Jr. (not to mention some guy named Bruce Springsteen on more than one occasion). Send us your favorite campus concert memory—and share any artifacts you still have, from pictures to ticket stubs—by writing us at magazine@monmouth.edu.