Ray Charles is regarded as one of the most renowned artists of the twentieth century, and his impact continues to influence the industry today. He was a trailblazer in many ways, from being an early developer of soul music to shifting the perspective of music ownership; he also pursued his passions while living with a disability. His music still plays all over the world, even earning top-charting hits years after his passing, according to Forbes (www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/07/15/ray-charles-earns-a-pair-of-top-10-hits-20-years-after-his-death/). But aside from his timeless music, he was a genius when it came to creating music, setting the stage for artists to follow his footsteps. Here’s a look at Ray Charles’ music mastery and innovation:

The Making of A Legend

Despite how iconic his music has become, Ray Charles’ career had humble beginnings around the late 1940s. After losing his vision at age seven, he studied braille music at school as a teenager, allowing him to learn the piano. He was renowned for his skill and was known as one of the most talented students. He started by playing the piano for others until he eventually began recording with his own band. He got his first hit with “Confession Blues” before he signed onto Atlantic Records, which helped him gain more attention with minor hits like “Mess Around,” “It Should’ve Been Me,” and “Don’t You Know.” Other best-sellers like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road, Jack” brought even more commercial success. After he released “I Got A Woman,” his mixed music templates garnered popularity, establishing the soul music sound. 

Since then, Ray Charles changed the music industry through his work, serving as a pioneer in soul music and helping develop the sound over the years. He didn’t shy away from other genres, embracing jazz, pop, R&B, and even country, solidifying himself as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century and beyond. He eventually shared the stage with renowned performers like Lilette Harris (www.blackmeninamerica.com/the-musical-born-to-swing/), Willie Nelson, and Chaka Khan. 

Honing His Innovative Sound

Though Ray Charles was talented on his own, he utilized some of the best equipment to master his sound and truly amplify every performance and recording. For his vocals, he was known to use the iconic Neumann U87 microphone, a top choice for artists in the music industry, including The Beatles and Amy Winehouse (www.shout4music.com/guides/the-best-microphone-for-vocals/). The large-diaphragm versatile condenser microphone is one of the most renowned since it produces a rich, vibrant, and lush recording, which brought life to his soul and jazz music. The Neumann U87 AI is a recent upgrade of the iconic microphone, creating a high-end that sounds more open and airy.

Ray Charles was also an incredibly skilled instrumentalist. Though he played multiple, including the saxophone, clarinet, and trumpet, he almost always performed with a piano. He played various kinds of pianos throughout his career, but he pioneered the Wurlitzer electric piano (www.synthanatomy.com/2024/07/cherry-audio-wurlybird-140b-revives-the-wurlitzer-140b-from-1964-as-a-plugin.html) and often used it in performances and recordings. The rich “bark” and organic timbre it produced gave it a unique and vibrant sound. He used a Wurlitzer 120 in the 1950s and ’60s, including his recording for “What I’d Say.” The Wurlitzer electric pianos are still used by contemporary artists today, such as Beck and Billie Eilish, but Ray Charles was a prominent figure in immortalizing its sound. 

The Legacy of Ray Charles

Though Ray Charles passed away in 2004, he left a lasting legacy in the music industry. His mastery of various genres made him an admirable figure and paved the way for future artists to establish their sound. His innovative musicianship gave him a unique understanding and execution of harmony, dynamics, and rhythm. His impressive skills showcased the emotion and passion of music beyond lyrics, including the instruments to convey a message. 

To this day, his impact hasn’t been forgotten and continues to be honored. Many artists cite him as an inspiration, as he broke down the walls of music genres and managed to make the most of his talents while living without his vision. His music has also been a trailblazer for even more innovation in music. Collaboration projects like “InspiRAYtion: When Ray Charles Meets Hip-Hop” (www.prweb.com/releases/ray-charles-genius-meets-hip-hop-inspiraytion-when-ray-charles-meets-hip-hop-slated-as-a-new-ray-charles-recording-on-tangerine-records-841449201.html) celebrate his work, the Hip-Hop genre, and the history the two share. Placing his work in the hands of talented producers like DJ Khalid creates an opportunity to reflect on his lasting impact in the genre—such as sampled songs in Hip-Hop hits—and his approach to entrepreneurship, which was revolutionary for a Black musician in the 1950s. Ray Charles changed the music industry forever, and his legacy will continue to last, as more people honor it. 

Article written by Rose Henderson, exclusively for Black Men In America.com

Photo credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Ray_Charles_FIJM_2003.jpg/640px-Ray_Charles_FIJM_2003.jpg

Credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under CC BY 3.0]