Ray Charles, We will miss Him!

Ray Charles
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Ray Charles

Ray Charles performing at the Grammy Awards rehearsal in 1990.
Background information
Birth name Ray Charles Robinson
Also known as Brother Ray, The Genius
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
Website www.raycharles.com
For Ray Charles, the composer and conductor of the Ray Charles Singers,

see Ray Charles (composer).
Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) known by his

stage name Ray Charles, was a pioneering

American pianist and musician who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues.

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 sang it."

Frank Sinatra called him "the only true genius in the business."

And in 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked

Ray Charles #10 on their list of The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.