Ray Charles Robinson

Ray Charles Robinson (www.raycharles.com)

Ray Charles was born September 23rd, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. His parents were Aretha and Baily Robinson. His wife was Della Robinson. They were married for 23 years, which was followed by divorce. They had three children, Ray Jr., David, and Robert.

Ray Charles had to overcome many obstacles in his lifetime and yet had many thrills. Let me give you a little insight on what I'm talking about. In 1937 he was struck with glaucoma, which resulted in blindness. Then later in 1946, he began his professional career playing with local bands around Jacksonville, Florida. Next, in 1951 Ray entered the R & B charts for the first time with "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand." Then in 1954, he arranged and played piano on Guitar Slim's R & B smash, "The Things I Used To Do." When you think about all the things Ray Charles accomplished in his lifetime, it is literally jaw-dropping. Ray had to learn how to live without eyesight (which he lived with in his early childhood), winning awards and medals along the way. Like in 1961-64 he was named top male singer in the Sixteenth International Critics Poll. Also in 1986 he was honored at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Simply amazing, this man!

In case you have never heard of Ray Charles you may wonder what made this man so wonderful besides his legendary voice? Ray was a thoughtful and caring man who showed it in so many ways. One was creating by a charity that helps children hear for the first time through the latest technology in hearing implants. Imagine not being able to to hear the sounds that our magnificent world has to offer. Devastating right? Compassionate about his music, Ray said, "When all else fails, I always have my music and it's never let me down. In fact it's like breathing, it's there everyday to keep me going." Last, Ray Charles was wise. His motto was "God helps those who help themselves."

Ray Charles showed that he wasn't any different than others by never giving up in life, even though he didn't have the ability to see. What I sincerely think makes him a hero is that he gathered the strength to quit taking drugs. That is what I call heroism. I have heard and seen the things drugs can do to you, and (I know some are most unfortunate) and don't have the time to be rescued. Thankfully it wasn't too late for him.

We lost a hero in 2005. Not only a hero.......Ray Charles Robinson. Ray died of an acute liver disease at his Beverly Hills home surrounded by those who loved him. Sadly, he died right before his story really came to life in the movie; Ray was portrayed by Jamie Fox. Some of us really came to know Ray Charles through this movie, and to get a taste of his hardships and struggles and the tragedies in his child and adulthood. Ray Charles was the ultimate hero. He mastered jazz, rock, pop, R&B, blues, and soul, which most can't even dream of, proving he was not a poor black from the South, but a musical genius. Inspiring many with his unique style, he made a huge impact on music itself. He took somthing so simple and revolutionized it. Ray...our hero...will always remain in our hearts and live through the music we play. Love you Ray.