Ray Charles

Born into extreme poverty and blind from eye disease by the age of seven, Ray Charles had one tough beginning. Learning braille develop skills in reading and writing music, young Ray became proficient in several instruments before he left school.

Charles began his musical career as an R&B singer, accompanying himself on the piano. Gospel influences pervade his early work, including early hit "I Got A Woman" and the exciting call and response of "What’d I Say" (1959). Soon after, Charles left the Atlantic label for ABC Records, releasing more hits such as "Georgia On My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack".

Able to deliver soul, R&B, country, jazz, and pop with equal conviction, Ray Charles was a music legend who influenced such later stars as Joe Cocker, Steve Winwood and Van Morrison. Given the era and the singer’s diverse output, a collection is a good entry point.