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For Ray Charles, the composer and conductor of the Ray Charles Singers, see Ray Charles (composer). Ray Charles (born Charles Raymond Offenberg, September 13, 1918 in Chicago Illinois) is an American Musician,
Ray Charles
Last concert of Ray Charles, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of the Place des Arts while the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2003. Pic by Victor Diaz Lamich.
Last concert of Ray Charles, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of the Place des Arts while the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2003. The Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier is a large multipurpose venue in Canada equipped with sophisticated technical equipment Place des Arts is a major Performing arts centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (FIJM (Eng Montreal International Jazz Festival also called the Jazz Fest, is the largest Jazz festival in the Pic by Victor Diaz Lamich. Victor Diaz Lamich (born in 1966 Chile) is a photojournalist, first known for his work with The Canadian Press.
Background information
Birth name Ray Charles Robinson
Also known as Brother Ray
Born September 23, 1930(1930-09-23)
Albany, Georgia, United States
Origin Greenville, Florida, United States
Died June 10, 2004 (aged 73)
Beverly Hills, California, United States
Genre(s) R&B, soul, blues, pop, country, jazz, gospel, piano blues, country blues, country soul, soul blues
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, bandleader
Instrument(s) Singing, piano, alto saxophone
Years active 1947–2004
Label(s) Atlantic, ABC, Warner Bros. Records
Associated acts The Raelettes, Quincy Jones, Betty Carter
Website www.raycharles.com

Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004), known by his stage name Ray Charles, was an American pianist and musician who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues. Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Albany is a city in and the County seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Greenville is a town in Madison County, Florida, United States. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. Jazz is an American Musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States Gospel music is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life as well as (in terms of the varying music styles to Piano blues refers to a variety of Blues styles sharing only the characteristic that they use the Piano as the primary musical instrument Country blues (also folk blues, rural blues, backwoods blues, or downhome blues) refers to all Country soul is a Music genre that fuses Southern Soul music with Country music. Soul blues is a style of Blues music developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s that combines elements of Soul music and urban contemporary music A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both A musician is a person who plays or writes Music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music An instrumentalist plays a In Music, an arrangement refers either to a rewriting of a piece of existing Music with additional new material or to a fleshing-out of a compositional sketch such A bandleader is the leader of a band of Musicians The term is most commonly though not exclusively used with a group that plays Popular music as A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with Speech. The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers The alto saxophone is a member of the Saxophone a family of Woodwind instruments invented by Adolphe Sax. In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock ABC Records started in 1955 as ABC-Paramount Records the record label of Am-Par Record Corporation (a subsidiary of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres Warner Bros Records Inc is an American Record label that operates as a wholly owned Subsidiary of Warner Music Group. The Raelettes were a Girl group in the 1950s 1960s 1970s and 1980s formed as their name suggests to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles. Quincy Delight Jones Jr (born March 14, 1933) also known as Q, is an American Music Impresario, conductor Betty Carter ( May 16, 1929 &ndash September 26, 1998) was an American Jazz Singer who was renowned for her Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " A stage name, also called a screen name, is a Pseudonym used by Performers and Entertainers such as The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A pianist (/'piənɪst/ is a Musician who plays the Piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces play with an ensemble or Orchestra He brought a soulful sound to country music, pop standards, and a rendition of "America the Beautiful" that Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes called the "definitive version of the song, an American anthem — a classic, just as the man who sung it. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. Traditional pop or Classic pop or Standards music denotes in general Western (and particularly American popular music that either wholly predates the advent of " America the Beautiful " is an American Patriotic song. Edward Rudolph Bradley Jr ( June 22, 1941 – November 9, 2006) was an American Journalist, best known for 26 years Not to be confused with the BBC news magazine program Sixty Minutes (TV series. "[1]

Frank Sinatra called him "the only true genius in the business. Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12 1915 &ndash May 14 1998 was an American singer and actor "[1][2] And in 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Charles[3] #10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published [4]

Contents

Biography

Early years

Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930(1930-09-23). Albany is a city in and the County seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [5] He was the son of Aretha Williams, who stacked boards in a sawmill, and Bailey Robinson, a railroad repair man, mechanic and handyman. A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards Sawmill process A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of 100 years ago a log enters [6] The two were never married. The family moved to Greenville, Florida, when Ray was an infant. Greenville is a town in Madison County, Florida, United States. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the Bailey had three more families, leaving Aretha to raise the family on her own. When Charles was five, he witnessed his younger brother, George, drown in a large portable laundry tub. [6]

Ray Charles began to go blind when he was five. He became totally blind by the age of seven. [7] Charles never knew exactly why he lost his sight,[1] though there are sources which suggest his blindness was due to glaucoma, and some other sources suggest that Ray began to lose his sight from an infection caused by soapy water to his eyes which was left untreated. Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the Optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy. He attended school at the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Florida. The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind is a state-supported residential school for Deaf and blind children established in 1885 in St St Augustine is the County seat of St Johns County, Florida, in the United States. [7] He also learned how to write music and play various musical instruments. A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. [7] While he was there, his mother died followed by his father two years later.

Before he left school, Charles began working as a musician in many bands that played in various styles, including jazz and, in Tampa “with a hillbilly band called The Florida Playboys. Jazz is an American Musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States Hillbilly is a term referring to people who dwell in remote Rural, Mountainous areas of the United States, primarily southern Appalachia and " This is where Charles began his reputation of always wearing sunglasses. [8]

Charles moved to Seattle in 1947. [7] He soon started recording, first for the label Swingtime Records, achieving his first hit with "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand" in 1951, then signed with Ahmet Ertegün at Atlantic Records a year later. Events July 11 - Disc jockey and music promoter Alan Freed broadcasts his first Rhythm and blues radio programme from station WJW in Ahmet Ertegün ( July 31, 1923 &ndash December 14, 2006) was the Turkish American co-founder and executive of Atlantic Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock [7] When he entered show business, his name was shortened to Ray Charles to avoid confusion with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. Showbiz redirects here For other uses see Showbiz (disambiguation. Boxing (sometimes also known as English boxing or pugilism) is a Combat sport in which two participants generally of similar weight, Sugar Ray Robinson' (born Walker Smith Jr, May 3 1921 – April 12 1989 was a professional boxer [6]

Success years

Almost immediately after signing with Atlantic, Charles scored his first hit singles with the label with "It Should Have Been Me" and the Ertegun-composed "Mess Around", both making the charts in 1953. "Mess Around" (Atlantic 999 was one of the first big hits by music legend Ray Charles. But it was Charles' "I Got A Woman" (composed with band mate Renald Richard [9]) that brought the musician to national prominence. " I Got a Woman " was a career-defining song for American R&B musician Ray Charles when released as a single in December of 1954. The song reached the top of Billboard's R&B singles chart in 1955 and from there until 1959, Charles would have a series of R&B chart-toppers including "This Little Girl of Mine", "Lonely Avenue", "Mary Ann", "Drown in My Own Tears" and "The Night Time (Is the Right Time)", which were compiled on his Atlantic releases Hallelujah, I Love Her So, Yes Indeed!, and The Genius Sings the Blues. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry " Lonely Avenue " is a popular song written by Doc Pomus that became a Rhythm and blues hit for Ray Charles in 1956 " Night Time Is the Right Time " is a Blues song recorded by Roosevelt Sykes, aka "The Honeydripper" April 29 1937 (Decca 7324 Ray Charles is Ray Charles' 1957 debut album for Atlantic Records. Yes Indeed! is a R&B / soul album by Ray Charles, released in 1958 by Atlantic. The Genius Sings the Blues is an album by Ray Charles, released in October of 1961 on Atlantic Records. During this time of transition, he recruited a young girl group from Philadelphia named the Cookies as his background singing group, recording with them in New York and changing their name to the Raelettes in the process. The Raelettes were a Girl group in the 1950s 1960s 1970s and 1980s formed as their name suggests to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles. In 1959, Charles crossed over to top 40 radio with the release of his impromptu blues number, "What'd I Say", which was initially conceived while Charles was in concert. The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression "What'd I Say" or "What I Say" is a two-part recording that was released in 1959 by R&B / soul singer-songwriter Ray Charles The song would reach number 1 on the R&B list and would become Charles' first top ten single on the pop charts, peaking at number 6. Charles would also record The Genius of Ray Charles, before leaving Atlantic for a more lucrative deal with ABC in 1959. The Genius of Ray Charles is a 1959 album by Ray Charles. The Genius of Ray Charles announced his breakout from Rhythm and blues and onto a broader ABC Records started in 1955 as ABC-Paramount Records the record label of Am-Par Record Corporation (a subsidiary of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres Hit songs such as "Georgia On My Mind", "Hit the Road Jack" and "Unchain My Heart" helped him transition to pop success and his landmark 1965 album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music and its sequel Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Vol. 2, helped to bring country into the mainstream of music. " Georgia on My Mind " is a song written in 1930 by Stuart Gorrell (lyrics and Hoagy Carmichael (music " Hit the Road Jack" is a song written by R&B artist Percy Mayfield and recorded by singer pianist Ray Charles. " Unchain My Heart " is a song written by Bobby Sharp and recorded by Ray Charles. Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, also known as Modern Sounds, is a Studio album by American Rhythm and blues musician Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volume Two is a 1962 album by Ray Charles. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains.

Later years

Charles with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1984.
Charles with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1984. Nancy Davis Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6 1921 is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and served as an influential

In 1965, Charles was arrested for possession of heroin, a drug to which he had been addicted for nearly 20 years. Heroin ( INN: diacetylmorphine, BAN: diamorphine) is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from Morphine, a derivative [6] It was his third arrest for the offence, but he avoided jail time after kicking the habit in a clinic in Los Angeles. Jail, or gaol (especially in Canada, Australia and NZ[http //www Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West [1] He spent a year on parole in 1966. Parole may have different meanings depending on the field and judiciary system

During the late 1960s and into the 1970s, Charles' releases were hit-or-miss,[7] with some big hits and critically acclaimed work. His version of "Georgia On My Mind" was proclaimed the state song of Georgia on April 24, 1979, with Charles performing it on the floor of the state legislature. " Georgia on My Mind " is a song written in 1930 by Stuart Gorrell (lyrics and Hoagy Carmichael (music Introduction Forty-nine states of the United States (all except New Jersey) have one or more state songs, selected by the state Events 1479 BC - Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) The Georgia General Assembly is the state legislature of the U [7] He also had success with his unique version of "America the Beautiful. " America the Beautiful " is an American Patriotic song. " In November 1977 Charles appeared as the host of NBC's Saturday Night Live. Saturday Night Live ( SNL) is a weekly late-night 90-minute American Sketch comedy / Variety show based in New York City [10]

In the late 1980s a number of events increased Charles' recognition among young audiences. He made a cameo appearance in the popular 1980 film The Blues Brothers. The Blues Brothers is a 1980 musical comedy directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd In 1985, "The Right Time" was featured in the episode "Happy Anniversary" of The Cosby Show on NBC. The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's In a Pepsi Cola commercial of the early 1990s, Charles popularized the catchphrase "You Got the Right One, Baby!"

In 1989, Charles recorded a cover version of the Japanese band Southern All Stars' song "Itoshi no Ellie" as "Ellie My Love" for a Suntory TV advertisement, reaching #3 on Japan's Oricon chart. A catch phrase (or catchphrase) is a phrase or expression recognized by its repeated utterance " You Got the Right One Baby " was a popular slogan for Pepsico 's Diet Pepsi brand in the United States and Canada from 1990 to 1993 also known by abbreviations or SAS, are a Japanese pop rock band that formed in the mid 1970s is a Japanese brewing and distilling company Established in 1899 it is one of the oldest companies in the distribution of Alcoholic beverages in Japan established in 1999 is the Holding company at the head of a Japanese Corporate group that supplies Statistics and information on music and the Music industry [11] Eventually, it sold more than 400,000 copies, and became that year's best-selling single performed by a Western artist for the Japanese music market. [12]

Charles has also appeared at two Presidential inaugurations. In 1985, he performed for Ronald Reagan's second inauguration, and in 1993 performed for Bill Clinton's first inauguration. [13]

In the late '80s and early '90s, Charles made appearances on The Super Dave Osbourne Show, where he performed and appeared in a few vignettes where he was somehow driving a car, often as Super Dave's chauffeur. At the height of his newfound fame in the early nineties, Charles did guest vocals for quite a few projects. He also appeared (with Chaka Khan) on long time friend Quincy Jones' hit "I'll Be Good Too You" in 1990, from Jones' album Back on the Block. Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953) is a multiple Grammy Award -winning American singer known for hit songs such as "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel Quincy Delight Jones Jr (born March 14, 1933) also known as Q, is an American Music Impresario, conductor Back on the Block is a 1989 Grammy Award -winning studio album produced by the American Jazz and pop arranger Quincy Jones.

Following Jim Henson's death in 1990, Ray Charles appeared in the one-hour CBS tribute, The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson. For other uses of "Henson" see Henson. James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24 1936 &ndash May 16 1990 was one of He gave a short speech about the deceased, stating that Henson "took a simple song and a piece of felt and turned it into a moment of great power". Charles was referring to the song "It's Not Easy Being Green", which Charles later performed with the rest of the Muppet cast in a tribute to Henson's legacy.

During the sixth season of Designing Women, Ray Charles vocally performed "Georgia On My Mind", rather than the song being rendered by other musicians without lyrics as in the previous five seasons. Designing Women was an American television Sitcom that centered around the working and personal lives of four Southern women and one man in an Interior " Georgia on My Mind " is a song written in 1930 by Stuart Gorrell (lyrics and Hoagy Carmichael (music

Final appearances

In 2000, Charles made a special guest appearance on Blue's Clues Big Musical Movie as a fictional character named G-Clef. Blue's Clues is a Children's television show that premiered on Nickelodeon on September 8 1996 and ran until 2006 The Persuasions also made a guest appearance as his companions. Charles recorded "There It Is" during and after filming with Steve Burns and Traci Paige Johnson. Steven Michael "Steve" Burns ( October 9, 1973, in Boyertown, Pennsylvania) is an American Entertainer. After recording, Charles commented "This has been the most fun I have had since I met President Reagan in '84. "

In 2002 Charles headlined during the Blues Passions Cognac festival in southern France. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics.

In 2002 he took part with other musicians in a peace concert in Rome, which was the first event to take place inside the city’s ancient Colosseum since A. Rome ( Roma ˈroma Roma is the capital city of Italy and Lazio, and is Italy's largest and most populous city with more than 2 The Colosseum or Roman Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre ( Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio D. 404. The event was organized in partnership with the Glocal Forum and the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation. Purpose The Glocal Forum was created in 2001 to emphasize the role of local authorities in the world governance system Quincy Delight Jones Jr (born March 14, 1933) also known as Q, is an American Music Impresario, conductor

In June, 2003, Ray Charles presented one of his greatest admirers, Van Morrison, with his award upon being inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the two sang Morrison's song from the Moondance album, "Crazy Love". George Ivan Morrison OBE (generally known as Van Morrison) (born 31 August 1945 is a Grammy Award -winning Northern Irish Singer, The Songwriters Hall of Fame is an arm of the National Academy of Popular Music. Moondance is the third Solo album by Northern Irish Singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1970 (see 1970 in music " Crazy Love " is a Love song written by Northern Irish Singer-songwriter Van Morrison and included on his 1970 album Moondance This performance is captured on Morrison's 2007 album, The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3. The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 is a compilation Album by Northern Irish Singer-songwriter Van Morrison, that was released on

In 2003 Charles performed "Georgia On My Mind" and "America the Beautiful" at a televised annual electronic media journalist banquet held in Washington, D.C., at what may have been his final performance in public. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D Ray Charles' final public appearance came on April 30, 2004, at the dedication of his music studio as a historic landmark in the city of Los Angeles. Events 313 - Roman emperor Licinius unifies the entire Eastern Roman Empire under his rule "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " A studio is a Artist 's or worker's workroom or an artist and his or her Employees who work within that studio History is the study of the past particularly the written record Those who study history as a Profession are called Historians Etymology Originally a landmark literally meant a Geographic Feature used by explorers and [7]

He died on June 10, 2004 of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) at his home in Beverly Hills, California, surrounded by family and friends. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. His body was interred in the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. Inglewood Park Cemetery founded in 1905 is at 720 E Florence Avenue in Inglewood California. Inglewood is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County California, southwest of downtown Los Angeles. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean.

His final album, Genius Loves Company, released two months after his death, consists of duets with various admirers and contemporaries: B.B. King, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Gladys Knight, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Johnny Mathis. Genius Loves Company is a 2004 Album by Ray Charles, consisting of duets between Charles and musicians B B King (born Riley B King, September 16 1925 is an American Blues Guitarist and Singer-songwriter. George Ivan Morrison OBE (generally known as Van Morrison) (born 31 August 1945 is a Grammy Award -winning Northern Irish Singer, Willie Nelson (born April 30, 1933) is an American country Singer-songwriter and Actor. James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American Singer-songwriter and Guitarist, born in Boston, Massachusetts Gladys Maria Knight, "The Empress of Soul" (born May 28, 1944) is a seven-time Grammy Award -winning American Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952, in St Louis Missouri) is an American R&B / soul Singer and Songwriter Natalie Cole (born Natalie Maria Cole on February 6 1950) is an influential American Singer-songwriter and performer who has Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Bonnie Lynn Raitt (born November 8, 1949) is an American Blues Singer-songwriter who was born in Burbank, California Diana Jean Krall, OC, OBC (born November 16, 1964) is a Canadian Jazz Pianist and Singer. Norah Jones (born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar on March 30 1979) is an American Singer-songwriter, Pianist, Keyboardist John Royce "Johnny" Mathis (born September 30, 1935) is an American Singer of Popular music. The album won eight Grammy Awards, including five for Ray Charles for Best Pop Vocal Album, Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Here We Go Again" with Norah Jones, and Best Gospel Performance for "Heaven Help Us All" with Gladys Knight; he also received nods for his duets with Elton John and B. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Norah Jones (born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar on March 30 1979) is an American Singer-songwriter, Pianist, Keyboardist Gladys Maria Knight, "The Empress of Soul" (born May 28, 1944) is a seven-time Grammy Award -winning American B. King.

The album included a version of Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow", sung as a duet by Charles and Johnny Mathis; that recording was later played at his memorial service. Harold Arlen ( February 15, 1905 – April 23, 1986) was an American Composer of popular music " Over the Rainbow " (sometimes mistakenly known as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a Song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E John Royce "Johnny" Mathis (born September 30, 1935) is an American Singer of Popular music. [14]

Two more posthumous albums, Genius & Friends (2005) and Ray Sings, Basie Swings (2006), were released. Genius & Friends is a 2005 tribute Album by Ray Charles, consisting of duets between Charles and musicians Genius & Friends consisted of duets recorded from 1997-2005 with artists were personally chosen by Ray Charles. Genius & Friends is a 2005 tribute Album by Ray Charles, consisting of duets between Charles and musicians Ray Sings, Basie Swings consists of archived vocals of Ray Charles from a live 1973 performance added to Count Basie's music. William "Count" Basie ( August 21, 1904 &ndash April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, Organist Charles' vocals recorded from the concert mixing board were added to a new accompaniment by the Count Basie Orchestra (among others). William "Count" Basie ( August 21, 1904 &ndash April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, Organist Gregg Field, who had performed as a drummer with both Charles and Basie, produced this album.

Controversies and criticisms

Despite his support of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s and his support for the American Civil Rights Movement, Charles courted controversy when he toured South Africa in 1981,[7] during an international boycott of the country because of its apartheid policy. Martin Luther King Jr ( January 15, 1929 April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, Activist and prominent leader The American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968 refers to the reform movements in the United States aimed at abolishing racial discrimination against African The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Susaye Greene, former member of Charles' Raelettes, as well as the Supremes and Wonderlove and currently a solo artist, was noted for being the only Raelette to sing at Ray Charles' funeral. Susaye Greene (born September 13, 1949) is an African-American Singer, noted for being the last official member to join Motown girl The Raelettes were a Girl group in the 1950s 1960s 1970s and 1980s formed as their name suggests to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles. The Supremes were an American female singing group that first formed as a quartet called The Primettes Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an After the funeral, the BBC said "it did not go unnoticed that Susaye was the only Raelette to sing at Ray's funeral. "

Personal life

Charles was married twice and fathered twelve children by nine different women. [15][16] His first marriage to Eileen Williams was brief: July 31, 1951 to 1952. Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January He has three children from his second marriage to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson from April 5, 1955 to 1977. Events 456 - St Patrick returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) His long term girlfriend and partner at the time of his death was Norma Pinella. Charles died in his home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by his family. The cause of his death was hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC also called hepatoma) is a primary malignancy (cancer of the Liver. [17]

His children are:

Charles gave each of his 12 children $1,000,000 tax free in 2004 [18] just before he died.

Discography

See Ray Charles discography

Filmography

Ray: the film

Main article: Ray (film)

Charles was significantly involved in the biopic Ray, an October 2004 film which portrays his life and career between 1930 and 1966 and stars Jamie Foxx as Charles. The year 1966 in film involved some significant events Events Walt Disney, well known for his creation of Mickey Mouse died on The Blues Brothers is a 1980 musical comedy directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd The year 1980 in film involved some significant events Events April 30 - The Roger Daltrey film McVicar, opens Events Actress Kim Basinger and her brother Mick purchase Braselton Georgia for $20 million The year 1990 in film involved some significant events Events CGI technique is expanded with motion capture for Love Affair is a 1994 Romantic drama film made by Mulholland Productions and distributed by Warner Bros The year 1994 in film involved some significant events Top grossing films (U Spy Hard is a 1996 movie starring Leslie Nielsen and Nicollette Sheridan, Parodying James Bond films and other The year 1996 in film involved some significant events Major releases this year included Fargo, Trainspotting, The English Patient Ray is a 2004 Biographical film focusing on thirty years of the life of legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles. Ray is a 2004 Biographical film focusing on thirty years of the life of legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles. The year 2004 in film involved some significant events Major releases of sequels took place Jamie Foxx (born Eric Marlon Bishop; December 13, 1967) is an Academy Award -winning American Actor, Singer Foxx won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actor for the role. The 77th Academy Awards, honoring the best in film for 2004, were held on February 27, 2005, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood California "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. Best Actor is the name of an award It is presented by various film organizations Film festivals and people's awards

Before shooting could begin, however, director Taylor Hackford brought Foxx to meet Charles, who insisted that they sit down at two pianos and play together. Taylor Edwin Hackford (born December 31, 1944) is an Academy Award -winning American Film director. For two hours, Charles challenged Foxx, who revealed the depth of his talent, and finally, Charles stood up, hugged Foxx, and gave his blessing, proclaiming, "He's the one. . . he can do it. "

Charles was expected to attend a showing of the completed film, but he died before it opened in theaters.

As noted in the film's final credits, Ray is based on true events, but includes some characters, names, locations, events which have been changed and others which have been "fictionalized for dramatization purposes. " One example of the film's use of dramatic license are the scenes which refer to Charles as being banned from Georgia. Artistic license (also known as dramatic license, poetic license, narrative license, licentia poetica, or simply license) is a colloquial The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule

The film's credits note that he is survived by 12 children, 21 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Halls of Fame and other honors

Statue in Ray Charles Plaza in Albany, Georgia
Statue in Ray Charles Plaza in Albany, Georgia

Besides winning dozens of Grammy Awards in his career, Charles was also honored in many other ways. In 1979, he was one of the first honorees of the Georgia State Music Hall of Fame being recognized for being a musician born in the state. [19] Ray's version of "Georgia On My Mind" was made into the official state song for Georgia. [20] In 1981, he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was one of the first inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at its inaugural ceremony in 1986. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a Sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood Los Angeles California, USA, that The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a Museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland Ohio, United States [21] He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986. [22] In 1987, he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by the Recording Academy to "performers who during their lifetimes have made creative contributions of outstanding In 1991, he was inducted to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. In 1998 he was awarded the Polar Music Prize together with Ravi Shankar in Stockholm, Sweden. The Polar Music Prize is an international music prize and awarded to individuals groups or institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music Pandit Ravi Shankar ( রবি শংকর Devanagari: रविशंकर "Pandit" ( Sanskrit, "learned" is honorific born April In 2004 he was inducted to the Jazz Hall of Fame, and inducted to the National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame. [23] Also in 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published [4]

The Grammy Awards of 2005 were dedicated to Charles. The 47th Grammy Awards were held on February 13, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

On December 7, 2007, Ray Charles Plaza was opened in Albany, Georgia, with a revolving, lighted bronze sculpture of Charles seated at a piano. Albany is a city in and the County seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state Bronze is the most popular metal for cast metal Sculptures; a cast bronze sculpture is often called simply a "bronze"

On December 26, 2007, Ray Charles was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

Ray Charles Post Office Building

On Tuesday, July 12, 2005, President George Bush signed into law, a bill (PL 109-25), sponsored by Congresswomen Diane E. Watson (CA-33rd), designating the U. S. postal facility located at 4960 W. Washington Blvd. , in Los Angeles, California, as the Ray Charles Post Office Building. On August 24, 2005, the United States Congress honored Charles by dedicating and renaming the former West Adams Station post office in Los Angeles the "Ray Charles Station". The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses West Adams, also known as Historic West Adams, is a large district located in the center of Los Angeles, California, southwest of Downtown and

References

  1. ^ a b c d "The Genius Of Ray Charles", an article about an 1986 segment on Charles from 60 Minutes
  2. ^ Alex Regnery. Not to be confused with the BBC news magazine program Sixty Minutes (TV series. "'Ray Charles' scheduled to 'Hit the Road,' come to Austin", The Daily Texan, 2106. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  3. ^ Ray Charles. Van Morrison. Rolling Stone Issue 946. Rolling Stone.
  4. ^ a b The Immortals: The First Fifty. Rolling Stone Issue 946. Rolling Stone.
  5. ^ Adam Bernstein and Paloma Bernstein. "A Singular Blend of Styles", Washington Post, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  6. ^ a b c d Ray Charles Biography. SwingMusic. Net.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bohème Magazine Obituary: Ray Charles (1930 – 2004)
  8. ^ blacknetwork.com Ray Charles on Ray
  9. ^ allmusic
  10. ^ SNL Transcripts: Ray Charles: 11/12/77
  11. ^ List of best-selling international singles in Japan of 1989, Extract from the Year-End chart posted by oricon
  12. ^ Ray Charles' albums and singles on Japanese chart, Detail of chart performance
  13. ^ Internet Movie Database Bio on Ray Charles
  14. ^ "Many Pay Respects To Ray Charles", CBS News, 2004. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  15. ^ Marriages of Ray Charles. About. com. Retrieved on 2008-02-14. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German
  16. ^ The Genius Of Ray Charles, 60 Minutes Looks Back At The Life And Loves Of A True Original - CBS News
  17. ^ The Death of Ray Charles
  18. ^ http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_18_106/ai_n6358894 Ray Charles gives each of his 12 kids $1million dollars tax free!
  19. ^ "List of Inductees", Georgia Music Hall of Fame, 1979 - 2007. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  20. ^ "State Song", Georgia Secretary of State, 1979. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  21. ^ "Inductees", Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  22. ^ "List of Kennedy Center Honorees", Kennedy Center, 1986. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  
  23. ^ "Hall of Fame", National Black Sports & Entertainment, 2004. Retrieved on 2006-11-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the  

External links

Persondata
NAME Charles, Ray
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Robinson, Raymond Charles
SHORT DESCRIPTION Vocalist, musician, songwriter, arranger, bandleader
DATE OF BIRTH September 23, 1930
PLACE OF BIRTH Albany, Georgia, U.S.
DATE OF DEATH June 10, 2004
PLACE OF DEATH Beverly Hills, California
The Songwriters Hall of Fame is an arm of the National Academy of Popular Music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a Museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland Ohio, United States allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. Find A Grave is a Website allowing its users to access maintain and expand an online Database of Burial records A musician is a person who plays or writes Music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music An instrumentalist plays a A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both In Music, an arrangement refers either to a rewriting of a piece of existing Music with additional new material or to a fleshing-out of a compositional sketch such A bandleader is the leader of a band of Musicians The term is most commonly though not exclusively used with a group that plays Popular music as Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Albany is a city in and the County seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean.
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