Biography of Ray Charles

The Genius

September 23, 1930
June 10, 2004
Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on 23 September 1930. Starts from an early age singing in church but around five years prosecution serious eye problems, that within a few months it will lead to blindness. "The genius" as it is called by those who know him well since its inception, he created his first group, the "McSon Trio" in 1947, in the style of the famous "Nat King Cole trio". Ray Charles could only be inspired by this music giant, who in many quarters is referred to as the true forerunner of soul music, author of memorable songs like "I got the woman" or "Unforgettable". All songs that show how King Cole managed to transform gospel music (basically religious tradition), into something secular but equally spiritual. All of which have profoundly influenced the artistic development of "The genius" who, thanks to his great vocal talent, could turn any song (it was blues, pop or country), in an intimate experience and Interior.
The first disc, "Confession Blues" (for the Swingtime record) of 1949. The transformations begin when Ray Charles participates in session of Guitar Slim that will give life to the excellent "The things I used to do". His first big hit, "I got a woman" (1954) is a prime example of the qualities described above, then repeated by numerous other tracks among which we must mention "Talkin' bout you", "This little girl of mine" and "Hallelujah I love her so." In all these pieces, Charles interprets one of the most significant changes in the evolution and history of Black Music, with a style that comes very close to the world of jazz and the practice of improvisation. Not surprisingly his performances remain some memorable to renowned jazz festivals, teeming with connoisseurs-trained ears ready to kill mercilessly anyone who does not live up to their expectations.
After Ray Charles came to softer beaches, veering his music toward pop-orchestral style that alienated almost permanently from those traits from him was forged. Big hits of the era are the magical "Georgia on my mind" and "I can't stop loving you" 1962. Around the mid ' 60 's plagued by physical problems and trouble with the law caused by heavy drug use started in the days of Seattle and discontinued permanently in recent years. In 1980 he participated in the cult film "The Blues Brothers" (cult film by John Landis, starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd), film which has raised not just its immense figure. Then something must be broken inside of him for quite some time the genius of soul was missing from the stage as well as from the halls of engraving, reproducing only intermittently the pearls from the past and forcing fans to turn to his discography, however rich, composed of dozens of discs. It was off the June 10, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California at the age of 73 years, of complications from liver disease.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.