Legendary singer, musician and composer Ray Charles was born with sight but became blind as a child. read more
Born in Georgia, Ray Charles was raised in Florida and began to show an interest in music from a young age. He first performed in a local cafe at 5 years old. After going blind, he attended the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind where he learned to play several instruments as well as how to write music in Braille and compose music. read more
It is unclear exactly what caused the seven-year-old ray Charles to lose his eyesight. It was gradual, but painful or irritating, evidently. Trachoma is most likely what caused Ray Charles' blindness, either that or a similar eye infection. While some name glaucoma, childhood glaucoma is exceptionally rare. read more
Frank Sinatra called Ray Charles"the only true genius in show business", although Charles downplayed this notion. In 2002, Rolling Stone ranked Charles number ten on its list of the"100 Greatest Artists of All Time", and number two on their November 2008 list of the"100 Greatest Singers of All Time". read more