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 vision; diagnosed with glaucoma at age 6, becoming completely blind by age 7
1945
Moved to Seattle and began his professional music career at age 15
1952
Released his first hit single 'Mess Around' on Atlantic Records
1954
Released 'I've Got a Woman,' establishing his signature sound blending gospel, blues, and R&B
1960
Released 'Georgia On My Mind,' which became his signature song and a major crossover hit
1961
Released the album 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,' demonstrating his genre versatility
1966
Won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance; established himself as a major force in American music
1986
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognized for his pioneering influence on American music
2004
Died on June 10 in Beverly Hills, California, at age 73, leaving a legacy as one of music's greatest artists