The name Ray Charles may be a classic example of the American dream.
We can say that all his life was inextricably entwined with music.

Ray Charles was born in 1930 and as he was three years old he learned to play the piano. He didn't stop to play even when he was 7 years old and an accident deprived him of his eyesight. Many years later, in an interview Ray Charles said: "I was born with music inside me. We can be divided only surgically ".

Fifteen years old teenager Ray left without parents and joined a group of country musicians. Over the next 10 years he has toured all the Southern States. By age 24, Ray Charles has recorded 40 singles. In 1959 came out his famous "What'd I Say", from whence the history of "soul" began - unique combination of rock, r & b, jazz and country.

Name Ray Charles invariably accompanies the phrase "a living legend", and it can not be an exaggeration. Publications about him can make out a huge library. All coincide in such definitions as "an unsurpassed genius" and "superstar". Ray Charles won multiple titles and awards. He has 14 "Grammy" awards, a huge amount of gold and platinum discs.

In 1993, Bill Clinton awarded him the National Medal of Arts, and in 1996 he formally assumed the title of "Treasure of Los Angeles". There is a star with his name on the Hollywood Boulevard of Fame, and his bronze busts are available in all rooms of Fame: Rock'n'roll, jazz, blues and country. There is also a bronze medallion, that was casted and presented to Rey Charles in France on behalf of the French nation. His single "I've Got a Woman" is considered to be one of the greatest songs in the history of rock 'n' roll, and hit "Georgia On My Mind" became the official anthem of Georgia.

Ray Charles is the "father of inspiration" of all major rock and pop stars of the twentieth century. Elvis Presley, Joe Cocker, Billy Joel and Steve Wonder consider Ray Charles as their teacher. In his honor his songs were performed by Eric Klepton, Carlos Santana, Michael Bolton, Michael Jackson and many other famous musicians.

He treated his blindness a little bit ironically. Filmed, drove a car,flough the airplane, always got shaved in front of the mirror. Before any performance Ray Charles has always had a glass of gin with coffee. According to him, it infussed him with courage and cheerfulness.

Ray Charles died on June 10 at his home in Beverly Hills of complications of liver disease. Legendary musician was 73 years old.