Ray charles family biography

American musician (–)

For other people named Ray Charles, see Ray Charles (disambiguation).

Ray Charles Robinson^[a] (September 23, – June 10, ) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist.

He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius". Among friends and fellow musicians, he preferred being called "Brother Ray".^[2][3] Charles was blinded during childhood, possibly due to glaucoma.^[4]

Charles pioneered the soul music genre during the s by combining elements of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel into his music during his time with Atlantic Records.^[4][5][6] He contributed to the integration of country music, rhythm and blues, and pop music during the s with his crossover success on ABC Records, notably with his two Modern Sounds albums.^[7][8] While he was with ABC, Charles