Ray Charles Biography: Parents, Songs, Wife, Blindness, Family, Mom, Children

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Ray Charles Robinson, known simply as Ray Charles, was an American musical icon who left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering artists of the 20th century, Charles was renowned for his innovative blend of gospel, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, which helped shape the development of soul music.

Profile

• Full Name: Ray Charles Robinson
• Stage Name: Ray Charles
• Born: 23 September 1930
• Date of Death: 10 June 2004 (aged 73 years)
• Birthplace: Albany, Georgia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Musician
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Aretha Robinson and Bailey Robinson
• Siblings: George Robinson
• Spouses: Eileen Williams (m. 1951–1952), Della Beatrice Howard Robinson (m. 1955–1977)
• Children: Robert Robinson, Ray Charles Robinson, Jr., David Robinson, Charles Wayne, Raenee, Sheila Raye Charles, and Vincent Kotchounian
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $75 million

Early Life and Education

Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, United States. He was raised by his parents, Aretha Robinson and Bailey Robinson, and grew up alongside his brother, George Robinson. He attended the state-sponsored Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. His ethnicity was African American, and his religious belief was Christianity.

Career

Ray Charles was a true icon of American music, renowned for his pioneering role in the development of soul music. Often referred to as “The Genius”, Charles’s distinctive blend of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel influenced countless artists and solidified his status as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century.

In the 1950s, Charles signed with Atlantic Records and began to make a name for himself with hits like I Got a Woman, What I’d Say, and Hit the Road Jack. These songs, characterized by their soulful vocals, rhythmic piano playing, and innovative arrangements, helped to define the emerging genre of soul music. Charles’s music was celebrated for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and enduring appeal.

During the 1960s, Charles achieved crossover success with his country music albums, including Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. These albums blended his soulful style with traditional country elements, challenging racial barriers and expanding his audience. Throughout his career, Charles continued to innovate and experiment with different genres, releasing numerous albums, touring extensively, and appearing in films and television shows.

Ray Charles’s legacy as a true pioneer of American music is undeniable. His influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, and his music continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. As one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century, his impact on the evolution of soul music and American music as a whole is unparalleled.

Awards and Nominations

• Grammy Awards
• Kennedy Center Honors (1986)
• National Medal of Arts (1993)
• Polar Music Prize
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Social Media

Ray Charles does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Ray Charles was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Eileen Williams from 1951 to 1952, and they did not have any children together. Charles then married Della Beatrice Howard in 1955, and they remained married until 1977. The couple had three children: Robert Robinson, Ray Charles Robinson, Jr., and David Robinson.

In addition to his two wives, Charles fathered nine more children with nine different women. These children include Charles Wayne with Margie Hendrix, Raenee with Mae Mosley Lyles, Sheila Raye Charles with Sandra Jean Betts, and Vincent Kotchounian with Arlette Kotchounian. The identities of the mothers of his five other children are not publicly known.

Discography

• The Best Ray Charles Albums of All Time
• Ray Charles Greatest Hits || Best Songs of Ray Charles
• Georgia On My Mind
• RAY CHARLES – Live in Stuttgart (1976) – Full Album
• RAY CHARLES Modern Sounds Vol 2 – Side One

Net Worth

At the time of his passing in 2004, Ray Charles had an estimated net worth of $75 million. This fortune was the result of his immensely successful music career, which spanned over five decades. His recordings, live performances, and business ventures all contributed significantly to his wealth.

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