Ray Charles - “The Genius of Soul”

Ray Charles was a brilliant musician. He had the most unique voice in popular music. He was an important figure who left a lasting impact on the world. 

Through his singing and piano playing he helped invent soul and R&B music.

There are few inspiring facts about “The Genius of Soul”:

  1.  Despite losing his sight at the young age of 7 due to glaucoma, Ray learned composition, classical piano, organ, trumpet, alto sax, and clarinet while in school. He also learned to read and write music in Braille.
  2. At age 18, he moved to Seattle with only $500 and formed his own band.
  3. Over the course of his nearly 60 year career, Ray has one 12 Grammy Awards, received the Presidential Medal for the Arts, and was named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress.
  4. Ray's "Georgia on My Mind" was made the official state song of his native Georgia.
  5. Being a pioneer of soul music, and his ability to blend different genres together, he is known as "The Genius of Soul."
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