Ray Charles (1930-2004) was a pianist, singer, and composer who fundamentally reshaped American music by blending gospel, blues, jazz, and country into a sound entirely his own. Born in Albany, Georgia, and blind from childhood, Charles became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, earning the title "The Genius of Soul" and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His work across multiple genres demonstrates the deep interconnection between American musical traditions, making him an essential figure in understanding how country, soul, and popular music evolved together.
