— contents —

~ introduction
~ Ramona’s pop songs

An introduction.

Ramona is a chatbot + digital avatar created by Ray Kurzweil. She was designed in 2001 as a showcase for the tools of tomorrow.

Here you can listen to Ramona’s 2 pop songs — with Ray singing using pitch-alteration software, to sound more like his avatar. He also performed on-stage as Ramona at a live event in 2001. Using a set of body sensors to detect his motion, he could puppeteer a Ramona graphic displayed on the theater’s screen.

Ray said: “The future is positive. Because we’ll have the digital, creative tools for more freedom of personal expression. With powerful virtual + augmented reality you can literally be whoever you want to be. You can go anyplace you want to go.

Some of this capability is here now, and growing rapidly — it’s faster, more seamless, and more life-like. My own experience becoming my Ramona avatar was fantastic. Because you can bring your artistic, conceptual, emotional, and futuristic visions to life.”

music

1. |

The first song is an original.

song title: Come Out and Play
lyrics: by Ray Kurzweil
music: by Zoux
performed: by Ray Kurzweil :: as Ramona

SONG | Come Out and Play — The final production.

SONG | Come Out and Play — Without pitch alteration software.

2. |

The second song is a classic cover.

song title: White Rabbit
lyrics: by Jefferson Airplane
music: by Zoux
performed by: Ray Kurzweil :: as Ramona

SONG | White Rabbit — The final production.

SONG | White Rabbit — Without pitch alteration software.