We are saddened to learn that Ray Charles died 6/10/04. He will always be remembered as the genius who inspired a generation to pursue their musical careers.
We have listed a few of the Classic R&B songs that made Ray Charles a household name during the later 1950s. Ray Charles, often referred to as Soul Brother #1, is the pillar of 1950s R&B. Perhaps more than any other performer, Ray Charles produced records that sold equally to both black and white audiences.
It is our opinion that after 1959, Ray Charles capitalized on his large white audience. He produced jazz, ballads, and country & western records - with a large band, then eventually a full orchestra. After 1960, Ray Charles marketed his records to older audiences (over 25). His vinyl LPs were a major production - not simply a collection of single records. He appealed to all age groups, but it is significant to note that he made music for a wider audience than teenagers.
Somehow, Ray Charles styled his music to avoid being categorized as either old fashioned, or soul. In fact, he had a huge white audience who bought his vinyl LPs throughout the 1960s.
Ray CharlesBorn: September 23, 1930 - Albany, GA
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