Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, to Aretha and Baily Robinson. He developed glaucoma at the age of five and lost his sight completely by the time he was seven. Despite this, he developed a love for music and rhythm, and began singing in a Baptist choir.
As a teenager, Ray joined a country band called The Florida Playboys, and later moved to Seattle where he formed the McSon Trio with guitarist Gossady McGee. He also played in bebop sessions on the sly. In 1949, he had his first R&B hit with "Confession Blues" in Los Angeles.
Ray's unique sound and style quickly gained popularity, and he became one of the most influential musicians of his time. He released many hit songs, including "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand", "Mess Around", "Things I Used to Do", and "What'd I Say". He also experimented with country music, and released the landmark album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" in 1962.
Throughout his career, Ray Charles collaborated with many other famous musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Willie Nelson. He also struggled with a heroin addiction, but was able to overcome it and continued to produce music until his death in 2004.
Ray Charles' legacy continues to be celebrated, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected musicians of all time.
