Ray Charles

Soul1930–2004United States 1990s 1950s 2010s 1980s 1960s 1970s 2000s

About Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius". Among friends and fellow musicians, Charles preferred being called "Brother Ray". He lost his vision as a child, possibly due to glaucoma, and consequently wore dark glasses. Charles pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining elements of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel into his music during his time with Atlantic Records. He contributed to the integration of country music, rhythm and blues, and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, notably with his two Modern Sounds albums. With ABC, Charles became one of the first black musicians to be granted artistic control by a mainstream record company. Charles's 1960s hit "Georgia on My Mind" was the first of his three career No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. His 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music became his first album to top the Billboard 200. Charles had multiple singles reach the Top 40 on various Billboard...

Discography

Georgia On My Mind (1930)

Ray Charles (Hallelujah I Love Her So) (1957)

The Great Ray Charles (1957)

Soul Brothers (1958)

Yes Indeed! (1958)

What’d I Say (1959)

The Genius of Ray Charles (1959)

The Genius Hits the Road (1960)

Fathead (1960)

Genius + Soul = Jazz (1961)

Dedicated to You (1961)

Soul Meeting (1961)

Ray Charles and Betty Carter (1961)

The Genius After Hours (1961)

The Genius Sings the Blues (1961)

Ray Charles by Type

Rare Live Behind the Scenes Acoustic TV Appearance Tour Studio Home Recording Solo Documentary Rehearsal Lesson Clinic Interview Backstage

Featured

Ray Charles Plays the Slow Blues in Madrid

Ray Charles

Rare

4:34

Spacehog - In the Meantime (Official Music Video)

Linda Ronstadt, the ramo, Duran Duran, L.A.B., John Coltrane, Ray Charles, the ram, Ramones, Curtis Mayfield, Spacehog, Madonna, VAST, The Doors, the ramones, P.O.D., Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Y&T, the ramone

1990sRareLive