“I have met so many of my idols - like Ray Charles, Brian Setzer - all these cats that are legendary musicians. If they had said to me, 'Hey man, I'm busy,' it would have crushed my soul.” These lines by Drake Bell (an American Actor) remind us about the intensity of affection he had for Ray Charles.
Ray Charles was a popular American songwriter, musician, singer and founder of ‘soul music’. Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1930 to Aretha and Bailey Robinson in Alabama, Georgia. He was born as a normal child but was later diagnosed with glaucoma and was completely blind by the age of seven. Ray lost his vision at a very young age and this made his parents to worry about his future prospects. Ray was sent to the Florida School for Deaf and Blind from 1937 to 1945 where he mastered musical skills.
Having shown keen interest in music, he tried to master different types of music. He was a profound lover of jazz but was taught only classical music in his school. He was introduced to jazz and country music via radio. Ray, on Fridays, used to play the piano and sing songs at the South Campus Literary Society. On George Washington’s birthday and Halloween, the black department of school used to arrange a concert and Ray used to participate in it. He eventually formed his own team “ RC Robinson and the Shop boys “ and sang chores of Jingle Bell Boogie in his own way.
Ray Charles went further and bestowed the world with his musical talent. His songs were international hit and he is regarded as the best songwriter by many of his contemporaries. Ray Charles was also fondly called as “Brother Ray” by his fellow musicians and friends. Ray is precisely remembered for his fighting ability and ‘never give up’ type attitude. A man who overcame his blindness and produced record breaking songs of all time. “Blind at 7, World famous at 70”, this is how I can sum up his life. Ray Charles has left an unforgettable mark in the field of music that even today, 15 years after his death, his legacy continues.
Charles’ career spanned for more than 50 years, and in such an illustrious career, he has inspired many of the budding musicians and songwriters. They say that Music is an art and Like every other art, it needs to be felt. I find it very much true in the case of Ray Charles. Despite being completely blind, he felt the very essence of music from his soul that his soul was his vision.
They say when God takes up one of your sense, The Almighty strengthens the other four. These people not only overcame their blindness to achieve their goals but have set an exemplary example before us. Their achievements are of such a level that any layman with all five senses will find it difficult to achieve them. Last but not the least, Be Inspired and Inspire others. Be like Ray Charles.
- Shreyas J Kadam
Image courtesy – Wikipedia
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