Ray Charles — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Ray Charles.
1930
Born Ray Charles Robinson on September 23 in Albany, Georgia
1937
Began losing his sight; completely blind by age seven
1945
Left home at age 15 to pursue a music career in Seattle
1952
Signed with Atlantic Records, beginning his most creatively fertile period
1954
Released 'I Got a Woman,' which became his first major hit
1960
Released 'Georgia on My Mind,' which became his signature song and a state anthem
1961
Won his first Grammy Award; released the album 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music'
1965
Appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival and continued expanding his musical range
1986
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
2004
Died on June 10 in Beverly Hills, California at age 73