Ray Charles

Ray Charles Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and bandleader who pioneered the merging of gospel and rhythm and blues into the genre of soul music, and who crossed freely between R&B, jazz, country, and pop to create a uniquely American sound. Blind from the age of seven due to glaucoma, he overcame profound personal hardships to win 18 Grammy Awards and record classics such as "Georgia on My Mind," "Hit the Road Jack," and "I've Got a Woman." He was called "the Genius" by Frank Sinatra and is considered one of the most influential musicians in American history.