On this day, October 9, 1961 Ray Charles had the #1 spot on Billboard with “Hit the Road Jack”. This was his second number one hit.
Ray Charles was known for blending various genres of music, including rhythm and blues, gospel, soul, jazz, and country. His innovative approach to music helped bridge the gap between different musical styles, leading to the creation of what is now known as soul music.
Ray Charles lost his sight at the age of seven due to glaucoma. Despite his blindness, he learned to play the piano and became proficient at reading Braille music. He achieved success during his career, with numerous hit songs and albums. Some of his most famous songs include “What’d I Say,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You”.
Ray Charles received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including 17 Grammy Awards. His album “Genius Loves Company” won eight Grammy Awards in 2005, posthumously.