Ray Charles

Biography

Ray Charles was a visionary musician who pioneered the soul music genre in the 1950s, blending blues, jazz, and gospel styles to create a unique sound. With his crossover success on ABC Records, he helped integrate country and pop music, becoming one of the first African-American musicians to hold artistic control over a mainstream record company. Regarded as "The Genius," Charles was a trailblazer in show business, with hits like "Georgia on My Mind" and albums that topped Billboard charts.