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From the Archives

July 8, 2004

The Genius at Work

A critical discography
July 8, 2004

COVER Ray Charles 1930-2004

Soul pioneer and American original, his music knew no boundaries
June 16, 2004

Remembering Ray

Tributes from friends, producers, bandmates and disciples of the great soulman
June 16, 2004

Last Words of Brother Ray

At the end of his life, Charles set the record straight

Recordings and Reviews

Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1952-1960

The title "genius" was formally bestowed on Ray Charles with the release of his 1959 album The Genius of Ray Charles. Though he was not yet thirty at that point, Charles had already helped invent what would become known as soul -- shattering the boundaries between sacred and secular music in the...

2005 RS: 5of 5 Stars

2004

2004

1993

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Ray Charles Official Site

Biography

Singer/composer/pianist Ray Charles virtually invented soul music by bringing together the fervor of gospel, the secular lyrics and narratives of blues and country, the big-band arrangements of jazz, and the rhythms and improvisational possibilities from all of them, making music that was both sophisticated and spontaneous.

Ray Charles was raised in Greenville, Florida, and started playing the...

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