Ray Charles
Ray Charles (born Ray Charles Robinson; 23 September 1930 – 10 June 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, composer and arranger who helped pioneer soul music by combining blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. Born in Albany, Georgia and raised in St Augustine and Jacksonville, he lost his sight by the age of seven and had a career spanning jazz, country and pop, recording for labels such as Atlantic and ABC.
