Dates: September 23, 1930 - June 10, 2004
Occupation: singer
Also known as: Father of Soul
Ray Charles’ Childhood
Singer Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. Charles had an ordinary childhood in Greenville, Florida until glaucoma caused him to lose his sight when he was seven years old. To help Charles adjust to his new condition, he was enrolled in the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind from 1937 to 1945. While at the school, he learned to play the piano, saxophone, and studied composition.
Ray Charles Pursues a Career in Music
At fifteen, Charles decided to try to make it in the music business. He began performing in clubs around Florida. In 1948, Charles hoped for better prospects in Seattle, Washington. It was not long before he formed the Maxim trio, a jazz-blues group. One year later, the group had their first hit song called "Confession Blues" on the Downbeat label.In 1952, Charles’ unique style, which combined the patterns of gospel music and blues, was recognized by Atlantic Records. During his time with Atlantic, his most popular hits included “Things That I Used to Do," I Got a Woman," "Hallelujah I Love Her So," and "Drown in My Own Tears."
In 1959, Charles left Atlantic Records for ABC-Paramount. On this label, he recorded such hits as "Georgia On My Mind," “Ruby,” "I Can't Stop Loving You," and "Take These Chains From My Heart."
Ray Charles Expands his Horizon
In the 1960s, Charles decided to pursue new endeavors. He formed the Ray Charles Enterprise, which was comprised of Tangerine Records, Tangerine Music, and Racer Music Company. He also broke into the film business. He made appearances in the films Swinging Along, Ballad in Blue (1966), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), and In the Heat of the Night (1967).
Charles is Remembered in the 1980s
The 1980s were also memorable for Charles. In 1982, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and in 1986 he was inducted into Rock and Roll’s Hall of Fame. Charles also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1989, he teamed up with Chaka Khan for the hit song, “I’ll Be Good to You.”On June 10, 2004, Charles died from complications from liver disease in his Beverly Hills home.
