Frank Sinatra called Ray Charles 'the only true genius in show business,' although Charles downplayed this notion. He had a lifelong friendship and occasional partnership with Quincy Jones. Ĭharles cited Nat King Cole as a primary influence, but his music was also influenced by Louis Jordan and Charles Brown. Charles had multiple singles reach the Top 40 on various Billboard charts: 44 on the US R&B singles chart, 11 on the Hot 100 singles chart, 2 on the Hot Country singles charts. His 1962 album Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music became his first album to top the Billboard 200. Ĭharles's 1960 hit ' Georgia On My Mind' was the first of his three career No. While he was with ABC, Charles became one of the first black musicians to be granted artistic control by a mainstream record company.

He contributed to the integration of country music, rhythm and blues, and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, notably with his two Modern Sounds albums. Ĭharles pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles into the music he recorded for Atlantic Records. Charles was blinded during childhood, possibly due to glaucoma.

Among friends and fellow musicians he preferred being called 'Brother Ray'. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as 'The Genius'. (Septem– June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and saxophonist.

Cardiac rhythm doctor tampa