Ray Charles: Facts About His Life & Career You Didn't Know!

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Did the world truly know Ray Charles, the "Genius" of soul music? Ray Charles's life, a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and tragedy, is one of the most compelling stories in music history, an icon who redefined American music and left an indelible mark on the world.

Born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Georgia, on September 23, 1930, the musical prodigy overcame profound adversity to become a global icon. He would later be known to the world simply as Ray Charles. His impact on the music world was transformative, reaching far beyond the boundaries of rhythm and blues, the genre he helped to shape. The narrative, however, is complex, and some details often get lost between myth and reality. For instance, the film "Ray," a biographical drama released in 2004, presents a curated version of events, a cinematic interpretation that, while captivating, takes liberties with the truth. The movie, directed by Taylor Hackford, garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, but it's crucial to remember that the silver screen offers a perspective, not necessarily an exact replica of life.

The complexities of Ray Charles's personal life, a significant aspect of his legend, are worth exploring. The singer married twice and fathered twelve children with different women. His relationships, both romantic and familial, played pivotal roles in shaping his character. A deep dive into his life reveals a man of immense talent and undeniable flaws, a human being whose story continues to resonate long after his death.

Here's a concise overview of Ray Charles' life in the form of a WordPress-compatible table:

Attribute Details
Full Name Ray Charles Robinson
Born September 23, 1930, Albany, Georgia, USA
Died June 10, 2004, Beverly Hills, California, USA (complications from liver disease)
Known For Groundbreaking musician, singer, pianist, songwriter, and bandleader; pioneer of soul music.
Genres Rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, country, pop
Instruments Piano, vocals
Years Active 1940s 2004
Notable AlbumsThe Genius of Ray Charles (1959), Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (1962), Genius + Soul = Jazz (1961)
Marriages Eileen Williams (1951, annulled), Della Beatrice Howard Robinson (19551977)
Children 12 (with various women)
Awards and Honors 17 Grammy Awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, National Medal of Arts
Associated Acts The Raelettes
Official Website RayCharles.com
Ray Charles Robinson Jr. Meet Son Of Late Ray Charles VergeWiki
Ray Charles Robinson Jr. Meet Son Of Late Ray Charles VergeWiki
Ray Charles posando con su esposa y sus tres hijos pequeños Ray Charles
Ray Charles posando con su esposa y sus tres hijos pequeños Ray Charles
√ La Fondazione Ray Charles fa causa ai figli del musicista Rockol
√ La Fondazione Ray Charles fa causa ai figli del musicista Rockol

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