Ray Charles

Legendary Soul and R&B Pioneer

Ray Charles was a pioneering American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer who played an instrumental role in the evolution of soul music by blending rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles. Born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, he became blind at the age of seven due to glaucoma. Despite his disability, Charles's musical talents flourished. He signed with Atlantic Records in the 1950s where he recorded hits like "I Got a Woman" and "Hallelujah I Love Her So." His groundbreaking song "What'd I Say" is often cited as one of the early influences of soul and was a major hit that further solidified his status as a music legend.