Ray Charles

Ray Charles

Brother Ray.

Founded

September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia

Full Name

Ray Charles Robinson

Date of Birth

September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia

Still Alive

Date of Death

June 10, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California

Later Influenced

Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, Billy Joel

Ray Charles before a performance c. 1959.
Ray Charles before a performance c. 1959.

About The artist

"Mr. Charles claimed all of American music as his birthright. He made more than 60 albums, and his influence echoes through generations of rock and soul singers."
The New York Times

"The only true genius in show business."
Frank Sinatra

Did you know...

In 1948, Ray accompanied a friend to Seattle, Washington. There he met and befriended a 15-year-old Quincy Jones.

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Big Mama Thornton

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Genres from this era

Rhythm & Blues

Rhythm & Blues

The big bands get smaller and grittier.

BeBop

BeBop

Jazz music moves off the dance floor.

Electric Blues

Electric Blues

The blues follows the Great Migration north and plugs in.

Rock & Roll

Rock & Roll

The biggest musical phenomenon of the 20th century.

Doo-Wop

Doo-Wop

Urban-born rich vocal harmonies combined with teen romance.