In Memoriam
Ray Charles
September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004 · aged 73
Soul · R&B · Blues · Jazz · Country
Often referred to as 'The Genius,' Ray Charles Robinson was a pioneer of soul music, seamlessly blending rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings. Born in 1930 and completely blind by the age of seven, Charles didn't let his loss of sight hinder his musical prodigy. He played a pivotal role in racial integration in country and pop music during the 1960s with his landmark album 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music'. His iconic voice and piano playing made tracks like 'Hit the Road Jack' and 'Georgia on My Mind' timeless classics. A 17-time Grammy Award winner, he left an indelible mark on almost every genre of American music. Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, at the age of 73 from liver failure, leaving behind a legacy that permanently shaped the landscape of modern music.
Milestones
Hit the Road Jack, Georgia on My Mind, I Got a Woman
Also remembered in 2004
- Dimebag Darrell (1966–2004)
- Johnny Ramone (1948–2004)
- Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004)
- Rick James (1948–2004)