Who Is Ray Charles? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ray Charles Robinson, universally known as Ray Charles, was born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia. His remarkable journey in the music industry led him to revolutionize the genre known as soul music, blending rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel elements. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including blindness and financial hardships, Charles's contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the industry. He passed away on June 10, 2004, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1930 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Albany, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 10 June, 2004 |
| Died Place | Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Ray Charles's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ray Charles was known for his distinctive presence. He stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and maintained a weight of around 160 pounds (73 kg) during his lifetime. His performance style often included wearing sunglasses to conceal his blindness, adding to his signature look.
In 2003, Charles had successful hip replacement surgery and was planning to go back on tour, until he began having other ailments. He died on June 10, 2004, at age 73, of complications resulting from liver failure at his home in Beverly Hills, California.
His funeral was held at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles eight days later, with numerous musical figures in attendance. B. B. King, Glen Campbell, Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis each played a tribute at the funeral. He was interred in the Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Ray Charles had several relationships. He was married twice, first to Edna and later to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Charles had a total of 12 children, with many of them involved in music to some degree. While there are no disclosures regarding a "boyfriend" or current romantic status in 2025, his complex family dynamics remain an essential part of his personal narrative.
During Aretha's childhood, her mother died. Her father could not keep her. Bailey, a man her father worked with, took her in. The Robinson family—Bailey, his wife Mary Jane, and his mother informally adopted her and Aretha took the surname Robinson. A few years later, Bailey raped her, and Aretha became pregnant.
During the ensuing scandal, she left Greenville late in the summer of 1930 to be with family back in Albany. After the birth of the child, Ray Charles, she and the infant Charles returned to Greenville. Aretha and Bailey's wife, who had lost a son, then shared in Charles' upbringing.
The father had left Greenville and married another woman elsewhere. By his first birthday, Charles had a brother, George.
Net Worth and Salary
Ray Charles had an estimated net worth of around $75 million at the time of his passing in 2004. His earnings derived from record sales, performances, and various business ventures continue to prove lucrative, contributing to his family’s financial legacy and creating a lasting presence in the music industry. As of 2025, his estate likely still generates significant revenue from continued sales of his music and posthumous releases.
Career, Business and Investments
Ray Charles's career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1940s. His innovative sound and unique approach to music garnered him numerous accolades, including 17 Grammy Awards. In addition to his singing and songwriting, Charles was savvy in business, owning his record label and investing in various ventures. His commitment to music and cultural influence has solidified his status as a pioneer of Soul music, inspiring countless artists across genres.
Charles pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s by combining elements of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel into his music during his time with Atlantic Records.
He contributed to the integration of country music, rhythm and blues, and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, notably with his two Modern Sounds albums. While he was with ABC, Charles became one of the first black musicians to be granted artistic control by a mainstream record company.
Social Network
Though Ray Charles was not part of the modern social media landscape, his influence and legacy are abundantly celebrated across platforms dedicated to music history and cultural impact. His family and estate maintain a presence on social media to honor his legacy, share updates on tributes, and promote his timeless music.
Charles cited Nat King Cole as a primary influence, but his music was also influenced by Art Tatum, Louis Jordan and Charles Brown. He had a lifelong friendship and occasional partnership with Quincy Jones. Frank Sinatra called Ray Charles "the only true genius in show business", although Charles downplayed this notion.
Billy Joel said, "This may sound like sacrilege, but I think Ray Charles was more important than Elvis Presley."
Education
Ray Charles faced numerous educational challenges due to his blindness. However, he managed to cultivate his musical talents largely through self-teaching and mentorship. He attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, where he honed his piano skills and musical abilities. Despite lacking a formal higher education, Charles's natural talent, combined with his relentless drive, helped him become one of the most acclaimed musicians in history.
Charles started to lose his sight at the age of four or five, and was blind by the age of seven, likely as a result of glaucoma. Because of his blindness, Charles donned his famous sunglasses.
Destitute, uneducated, and mourning the loss of her younger son, Aretha Robinson used her connections in the local community to find a school that would accept a blind African-American pupil. Despite his initial protest, Charles attended school at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St.
Augustine from 1937 to 1945 and learned to play a variety of instruments including the piano, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and organ. He focused primarily on the piano.
Conclusion
Ray Charles's impact on music and culture is immeasurable. As we look toward 2025, we celebrate his life, accomplishments, and the legacy he continues to uphold. His story remains a testimony to resilience, creativity, and the power of music to transcend barriers.
