![]() ![]() His music blended gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, and pop. Ray Charles was a world-renowned singer, composer, arranger, and instrumentalist who also played the piano, saxophone, clarinet, and organ. After those early, difficult days of childhood, Ray Charles became world famous and won a multitude of awards and honors for his legendary artistic achievements. His first hit record was “I Got a Woman.” It was followed by many other popular recordings including “Georgia on My Mind,” now the official song of that state. He moved to Seattle at age 16 and was soon playing in clubs, eventually forming his own trio. ![]() After the death of his mother when he was 15, Charles left the school and took jobs playing with local dance bands. ![]() As he got older, he wrote Braille arrangements of melodies for bands and together with schoolmates began playing at public functions. However, it was at this school that Charles learned Braille and figured out how to pursue his interest in music. Because he did not have shoes, the other children called him Foots, and they played cruel tricks on the barefoot boy. Augustine School for the Blind in Florida. Born in 1930, Ray Charles lost his eyesight to disease when he was seven. The story of Ray Charles Robinson is one of formidable challenges and incredible successes. ![]()
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