Ray Charles

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist born in Albany, Georgia in 1930. He pioneered the genre of soul music by blending gospel, blues, R&B, and jazz, earning the nickname 'The Genius.' Charles signed with Atlantic Records in the 1950s and achieved major success with hits like 'I Got a Woman,' 'Georgia on My Mind,' and 'Hit the Road Jack.' He later moved to ABC-Paramount and continued releasing influential albums while crossing over into country and pop. Charles won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He remained active until his death in 2004.