Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, known as 'The Genius'. He became blind during childhood due to probable glaucoma. Ray Charles pioneered the soul music genre in the 1950s, combining blues, jazz, rhythm, and gospel styles. He was influential in integrating country music with rhythm and blues, and he achieved notable success on ABC Records with his Modern Sounds albums. He achieved three No. 1 hits, including 'Georgia on My Mind', and won 18 Grammy Awards.