Ray Charles Robinson Accomplishments

Music plays a significant role in our lives, uplifting us during challenging times, and ultimately spreading joy among people. Throughout the 1930s, different African American musicians appeared from the South, contributing to different upcoming music genres. One of the several musicians was a man named Ray Charles Robinson. He was also known as “The Genius” because of his extraordinary talent and his ability to blend various genres such as rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. His innovative approach to songwriting influenced numerous musicians across the country. Moreover, Charles pioneered the deconstruction of racial barriers within the music industry, by creating new opportunities for upcoming African American musicians. Throughout his early

Charles attended a school named St. Augustine, for the visually impaired that gave him the ability to overcome his blindness and construct music. While attending this school, he learned to write music in Braille, which is a form of language for blind people. Despite all of his disabilities and obstacles that he endured, his passion for music was strong enough for him to overcome anything. Born during the Great Depression, Ray Charles faced the harsh realities of poverty and racism at an early age, experiencing a challenging society due to discrimination and economic hardship. His father left at a really young age, which led to his mother raising him on her own. However, before his fifteenth birthday, his mother unfortunately passed away. This led to a dark path of depression for Charles. He started abusing substances such as drugs and alcohol. He then fought a horrible heroin addiction, which was the biggest hardship he had ever faced. He eventually went to a rehab center, and ended his addiction to

Here, his ideas were developed and put into reality, gaining success and widespread attention from hits like “Georgia on my mind” and “Hit the road Jack.” With his exceptional vocals and consistent freshness throughout his music, he inspired numerous artists despite his African American heritage. After a fourteen year collaboration with ABC Records, Charles wanted a change. He made the switch to Crossover Records. However, the temptation of ABC records proved irresistible, leading him back in 1977 to record the album “True to Life.” Since Charles’ recognition was expanding rapidly, beyond the confines of the studio, he appeared in the movie industry, appearing in a famous production such as “The Blue Brothers.” He had a tour in South Africa that sparked a debate around the country for discrimination reasons. Ray Charles overcame significant obstacles on his path to becoming an inspiring musician. Despite a challenging cultivation, he pursued excellence in his own manner, achieving remarkable success. His music served as a reflection of his life, as he carries his emotions throughout every song he