Happy Birthday to Ray Charles, born Sept. 23, 1930.
Although he left us for that Great Gig In The Sky in 2004, Ray left behind a musical legacy that helped define the sound of modern popular music.
Rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, country music, there was nothing this cat couldn't do. Oh, and all without the use of his eyes. Charles started to lose his sight at the age of four or five, and was blind by the age of seven.
The genius of Ray Charles wasn't just about just mastering one specific genre of music, he was a pioneer in blending genres. His ability to merge musical styles, like Gospel and Blues, particularly with hits like “I Got a Woman” (1954), cemented his influence in American music. Charles was also an amazing pianist with deep roots in jazz, as heard in his collaborations with jazz greats like Milt Jackson.
Later, he fused country music with his signature blues style, evident in his 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, which broke racial and genre barriers, showing that a Black artist could excel in a genre dominated by white musicians.
Ray Charles's success across multiple genres helped him break down racial boundaries in music. His popularity among white audiences and his fusion of traditionally "white" country music with "Black" rhythm and blues made him a trailblazer in a segregated society.
He was also an early advocate for artists' rights, famously demanding and winning artistic control over his music when he signed with ABC Records in 1960. His deal, which included ownership of his master recordings, was revolutionary for an artist at the time.
So, here's to a true Icon, a master musician, someone who has influenced generations of musicians, from soul and R&B icons like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, all the way to contemporary artists who continue to blend genres, fight social injustice, and can make people think, love and dance, often all at the same time.
Here's to you, Ray!
