Ray Charles

Charles, Ray ( Ray Charles Robinson; 1930– ), U.S. singer, composer, and pianist, credited with synthesizing aspects of gospel, blues and country, and jazz to create a new form of music known as soul. He lost his eyesight at age 6 to untreated glaucoma. Charles's first popular successes were “Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand” (1951) and “I've Got a Woman” (1955). His albums include Ray Charles (1957), Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (1962), and Wish You Were Here Tonight (1983).