Portal:Georgia (U.S. state)/Selected biography/4
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Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) known by his stage name Ray Charles, was a pioneering American pianist and musician who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues. He brought a soulful sound to country music, pop standards, and a rendition of "America the Beautiful" that Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes called the "definitive version of the song, an American anthem — a classic, just as the man who sang it."[1]
Frank Sinatra called him "the only true genius in the business."[1][2] And in 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Ray Charles [3] #10 on their list of The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.[4]
