Ray Charles
Ray Charles (1930–2004) was an American singer, pianist, and composer who pioneered soul music by fusing gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz.
Blind from age seven, he became one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century.
His distinctive voice and piano style shaped hits like "Georgia on My Mind" and "What'd I Say." Often called "The Genius."
Patterned stress and silence
- bluesMournful American music genre
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- funkDepression or groove music
- swingSuspended recreational seat
boogie · Atlantic Records · crossover · hitmaker · charts · jukebox · danceable · uptempo
Sacred choral tradition
- emotionComplex psychological state
- feelingSensed inner state
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
- passionIntense emotional drive
fervor · depth · expression · warmth · intensity · spirituality · authenticity · sincerity
Array of input keys
- ivoriesPiano keys, informally
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- accompanimentSupplementary support element
- chordsSimultaneous note combinations
left hand · right hand · Wurlitzer · electric piano · technique · touch · seated · signature style
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- comboItems grouped together
arrangement · phrasing · syncopation · interpretation · voicing · sophistication · instrumental
Having reduced eyesight
- glaucomaPressure damages optic nerve
- sightlessUnable to perceive visually
- darknessTotal absence of light
- sensoryRelated to perception
tactile · adaptation · independence · resilience · navigate · childhood · overcoming · inner vision
Creator of new methods
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
- genre-blendingMixing artistic categories
- influencePower to affect others
legacy · Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · integration · revolutionary · original
rhythm
Patterned stress and silence
swing · boogie · Atlantic Records · crossover · hitmaker · charts · jukebox · danceable · uptempo · backbeat
gospel
Sacred choral tradition
passion · fervor · depth · expression · warmth · intensity · spirituality · authenticity · sincerity · conviction
keyboard
Array of input keys
- ivoriesPiano keys, informally
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- accompanimentSupplementary support element
chords · left hand · right hand · Wurlitzer · electric piano · technique · touch · seated · signature style · keys
improvisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
combo · arrangement · phrasing · syncopation · interpretation · voicing · sophistication · instrumental
vision-impaired
Having reduced eyesight
- glaucomaPressure damages optic nerve
- sightlessUnable to perceive visually
- darknessTotal absence of light
sensory · tactile · adaptation · independence · resilience · navigate · childhood · overcoming · inner vision
innovator
Creator of new methods
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
- genre-blendingMixing artistic categories
influence · legacy · Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · integration · revolutionary · original
- R&BMichael Jackson, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder
- Famous GeorgiansJimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Julia Roberts
- Visually Impairedblind person, legally blind, low vision, partially sighted, guide dog user
- Inclusive Artsinclusive design, accessible design, universal design, wheelchair dance, sign language poetry
- Male SingersElvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Freddie Mercury, John Lennon
- Black MusiciansAretha Franklin, Beyonce, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder
Ray CharlesPat Boone
Milli Vanilli · The Monkees · boy bands · elevator music · muzak