A person who lost the ability to see the world at the age of seven, witnessed the death of his own brother, and had what it seems an never ending addiction to heroin. With all these events occurring in someone’s life, some may say this person is destined for failure. After all, we see this happen all the time over the news, social media, and even in our history books. However, this person never allowed these events to be a unbreakable wall that would stop him to pursue his dream and aspirations. With the support of his will, family, and friends, he was able to overcome and push through the toughest obstacles he encountered and did something no one ever dream of at the time. This person was Charles Ray Johnson. Ray Charles was revolutionary pianist, composer, bandleader, and a well talented singer who had recorded more than 60 albums and performed more than 10,000 concerts during his life time. He combined rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz to pioneer a whole new genre called soul and was eventually titled, “The Father of Soul”. In 2002, he was ranked number ten on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All time”. Although initially criticized by society because of his disabilities, no matter what life threw at him, Ray stayed strong and …show more content…
He later moved to Seattle, Washington in 1947, where he earned a gig at the Black Elks Club, playing piano with his friend McGee playing the guitar and Milt Jarret playing the bassist. They were later known as the McSon Trio. A year later, in 1951, Ray career ignited when he recorded a deal with “Swing Time Records” recording his first hit song, “Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand.” followed by “Kissa Me Baby”. As this song took hits, people began noticing the song resembled artists, notably Nat King Cole and Charles Brown. However, Ray eventually found his own voice and