*My, how time flies. It seems like yesterday that the late great musical genius Ray Charles passed away 21 years ago in 2004.
WCTV aired a segment of Greenville, Florida residents celebrating what would have been “RC’s” (as he was affectionately called) 95th birthday on September 23rd.
Here is the link to the tribute song (and review) I wrote called “Ray Of Sun.” Here’s one of my favorites by Ray Charles, “Dixie Moon”
And for those who don’t know the story of the legendary musician, here’s his bio via Wikipedia:
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Ray Charles (1930-2004) was the pioneering American artist known as the “Genius,” who fundamentally shaped soul music by masterfully blending gospel, jazz, and blues. His innovative sound and profound influence have cemented his status as a musical icon.
Born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Georgia, he faced immense adversity early in life. He began losing his sight at age five and was completely blind by age seven, likely due to juvenile glaucoma. Despite this, his musical talent flourished at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, where he learned to read and write music in Braille and mastered several instruments, including piano, clarinet, and saxophone.
Charles began his professional career at just 15. His breakthrough came after signing with Atlantic Records in 1953. His 1954 hit, “I Got a Woman,” was a revolutionary track that fused the fervor of gospel with the raw emotion of the blues, effectively creating the blueprint for soul music.
Charles achieved massive crossover success in 1959 with the electrifying “What’d I Say,” a song noted for its daring call-and-response structure. Throughout his career, he demonstrated incredible versatility with timeless hits across genres, including the iconic “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road, Jack,” and the country-infused “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
His legacy is marked by extraordinary recognition. He received 17 Grammy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors, and was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His innovative style deeply influenced countless artists, from Stevie Wonder to Joe Cocker. In his later years, Charles was also a noted philanthropist, donating generously to educational institutions.
Ray Charles passed away in 2004 at the age of 73 from liver failure, but his final album, Genius Loves Company , was a posthumous critical and commercial triumph, winning eight Grammy Awards and solidifying his enduring genius for new generations.
Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: [email protected]
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