Charles, Ray (Ray Charles Robinson)
1930-2004 · Contribution: 1954-1962
Musician
Pioneered soul music by fusing gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz, earning the nickname “The Genius” and becoming one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, with signature hits including “I've Got a Woman,” “What'd I Say,” and “Georgia on My Mind”
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Quick facts
- Born
- 1930
- Active since
- 1954
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- Pioneered soul music"What'd I Say" & "Georgia on My Mind""The Genius"
Impact on the world
Charles broke the wall between sacred and secular music to invent soul, then broke another by taking a Black voice into country. His genre-blending reshaped American popular music.
Sources
- Britannica
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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