Ray Charles: The Genius Behind The Music & Overcoming Obstacles

Ever wondered how a blind boy from the segregated South became one of the most iconic musicians of all time? Ray Charles's story is not just about music; it's a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable obstacles. From poverty and prejudice to the loss of his sight, Charles defied every limitation, blending genres and shattering expectations to forge a sound that would resonate across generations.

Ray Charles Robinson, the man who would later be known simply as Ray Charles, entered the world on September 23, 1932, in the heart of Albany, Georgia. His early life was far from idyllic. Bailey Robinson, his father, provided for the family as a railroad mechanic and handyman, while his mother, Aretha Robinson, toiled in a sawmill and supplemented their income by washing clothes. Theirs was a life of hard work and simple means, a reality shared by many African American families in the Jim Crow South. This environment, steeped in both struggle and the rich musical traditions of the Black community, would profoundly shape Charles's artistic sensibilities.