Ray Charles

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Ray Charles

Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, was a trailblazer in the world of music who left a lasting legacy that transcends genres. Raised in Greenville, Florida, he began to lose his sight at the age of five due to glaucoma and was completely blind by the age of seven. Despite this adversity, Charles honed his early interest in music and became an accomplished pianist and songwriter in his youth. His mother, Aretha Williams, was a profound influence, encouraging him to become self-sufficient and independent despite his blindness. In the late 1940s, Charles began his professional career by moving to Seattle and recording his first singles. However, it was in the mid-1950s when he truly made his mark by combining elements of gospel and R&B to create a new genre - soul. His breakthrough hit, I Got A Woman, is widely regarded as one of the first songs in this genre. Charles' innovative style and distinctive voice brought him international fame. He also broke racial barriers during a time of segregation in America, becoming one of the first black musicians to have ownership and control over his own recordings. Charles' impact stretched beyond music; he was an advocate for civil rights and against drug abuse, drawing from his personal experiences. Despite struggling with addiction himself, he used his platform to raise awareness about the issue. In 1986, Charles was recognized for his contributions to music with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His life and career were further immortalized in the 2004 biographical film Ray, with Jamie Foxx's portrayal earning an Academy Award. Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, but his music continues to inspire and influence artists around the globe.

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