Ray Charles

(Ray Charles Robinson, Albany, 1932 - Los Angeles, 2004) Singer, instrumentalist and American composer, one of the most important figures of black music of the twentieth century. In his repertoire he can be found from the most traditional blues or gospel to jazz or soul, style in which he developed a dizzying career. It is difficult to catalog his hundreds of recordings, perhaps because of the eclecticism that has always characterized him. During his long career he was awarded twelve Grammy awards.

Blind since he was seven, Ray Charles learned to read and write music in the Braille system. He studied in Florida, at an Institute of San Agustín, and from a very young age he participated in different musical events

His record career began in 1953, when he was hired by agent Ahmet Ertegun, who introduced him to the company Atlantic Records. From then Ray Charles would be known as one of the leading and essential figures of rhythm & blues. He lived successively in various cities (New Orleans, Texas) and, after joining Ruth Brown, formed a band that also included David Newman (sax) and Joe Bridgewater (trumpet). In the mid-fifties, Ray Charles created that kind of magnificent fusion between blues, gospel and swing, and imposed on his music also the frenetic rock and roll.

He passed away at the age of 73, on June 10, 2004 at his home in California. His remains are found in the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.