Ray Charles
23 September 1930 – 10 June 2004
Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who pioneered the genre of soul music by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. Blind from an early age, he became one of the most influential and celebrated musicians of the 20th century.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Ray Charles.
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- Buzz Aldrin (1930–present) Overlapped 74 years →
Life events
Birth
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Lost his sight
c. 1937
Became fully blind by age seven, likely due to glaucoma.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Personal
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Signed with Atlantic Records
1952
The label became the setting for his early breakthrough recordings.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career
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Released What'd I Say
1959
The song became a major crossover hit blending gospel and R&B.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement
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Released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
1962
The genre-crossing album became one of his biggest successes.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement
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Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1986
Named among the inaugural inductees.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement
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Recorded Genius Loves Company
2004
His final album, a collection of duets released posthumously.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement
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Died in Beverly Hills, California
10 June 2004
Died of liver disease at his home.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death
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