Ray Charles did a lot for racial equality but he also stretched musical equality to a new level, that is he created his own sound by mixing Gospel music and R&B, which had never been done before. Others were critical of this move calling it sacrilegious, even some from his own musical group at the time, but Ray pressed on to become a legend with his fantastic piano playing and his voice so full of passion, life and individuality.
Ray Charles was a blind black man. In his time especially living in the south, either one of these traits alone could have been trouble for him but Ray didn’t let anything stop him and went on to achieve greatness.
The goal I will take from Ray Charles’ life is to learn to play the piano without the help of my eyes; to feel the music and let it flow through me and tell my story.