The famous African American musician Ray Charles was a talented singer, pianist, and songwriter (writer of music). In order to develop the entirely new African American musical style known as soul, he blended elements of jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues.

On September 23, 1932, Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia. His mother, Aretha Robinson, worked at a sawmill and occasionally did extra laundry to provide for her family. His father, Bailey Robinson, was a handyman and a railroad technician. Charles describes himself as saying, “The elderly man… was practically always around,” in his memoirs Brother Ray. Charles was a little child when the family relocated to Greenville, Florida.

Despite his best efforts to save the child, Charles, then five years old, saw his four-year-old sibling perish in a laundry tub.

After graduating from Saint Augustine School, Charles toured Florida and performed with country and western bands. He was able to use this knowledge later when he started including western music in his concerts.

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Ray Charles wife

Charles was married to Della Altwine. Della Altwine sang gospel music.

Ray Charles children

Charles had three children.

Ray Charles parents

Ray Charles’ parents are Aretha Robinson and Bailey Robinson. Bailey Robinson was born in Albany, Doughtery County, Georgia, USA, on October 18, 1897.

Ray Charles siblings

George Robinson is the only sibling Ray Charles has.

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