Ray Charles (Born Ray Robinson)
September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004
Ray Charles was one of America’s greatest voices. He was called “the only true genius in the business” by none other than Frank Sinatra. The son of a share cropper, Charles lost his sight at the age of five. While attending a school for the deaf and blind, Charles was taught classical piano, but after his mother died, he left the school and changed his focus to the music he loved and would forever be associated with. By the time he was 17, he was making records for Swing Time Records, scoring his first R&B hit, “Confession Blues” in 1949. In 1951, Ahmet Ertegun signed him to Atlantic Records, starting him down the road that would eventually lead him to the status of American icon. Ray Charles died of liver cancer on June 10, 2004.
What You Should Own
Hi, I am a musician, play guitar, 69 years of age now. Ray Charles is my all time favorite musician, singer and entertainer. He is the BEST ever I think. I try to listen to his music every day. Thanks very much Ray. Your music is good for my soul. Your music is good for everyone’s soul.