Ray Charles
You may not know much about Ray Charles as he was from a different era. His career spanned many musical generations, and transcended all musical styles, making him hard to categorize. But his contribution to country music is undeniable. His gift was he brought country music mainstream and introduced it to millions of new fans.
Charles began the integration of country music, and is a hero in that regard. He paved the way for Charley Pride who came later. He also became one of the most recognizable singers of any era or genre, influencing everyone from Elvis to Billy Joel to hundreds of future country stars. He is an 18-time Grammy Winner, being nominated for 37 (that’s 47% of winning percentage). He was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. When he returned to country in 1983 there was great buzz, as contemporaries lined up to record with him on his now classic Friendship album.
Ray Charles is the kind of entertainer who doesn’t really exist anymore. He was very popular with about everyone, had massive TV exposure and was a powerful presence on stage. He did more than sing songs, he became immersed in them. Ray Charles is a performer you have to experience to understand the depth of what he was.
He was an American treasure and there will never, ever be another – Ray Charles.
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His Absolute Classic With Willie Nelson
