Ray Charles

Musician, Performer

1930 - 2004

Inducted in 1992

An exceptionally talented musician and performer who grew up in Florida, Ray Charles has been called "the genius of soul" and is considered a living legend in the world of modern music. Charles began to play at the age of five and attended the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind, where he received musical training. In 1949, Ray Charles began recording for different labels and touring extensively throughout the U.S. Some of his best known hits include Georgia on My Mind and Hit the Road Jack as well as his acclaimed version of America the Beautiful.

It has been argued that he was the principle architect in the transformation of black popular music from rhythm and blues to soul. Charles has made many memorable appearances on television, in films, and nightclubs throughout the world. Winner of eleven Grammys over the course of his illustrious career, Charles has been the writer/performer of many successful songs and albums and the recipient of numerous other honors.

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