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Ray Charles Robinson [a] (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist.He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius".
Ray is a 2004 American biographical musical drama film focusing on 30 years in the life of soul musician Ray Charles. [ a ] The independently produced film was co-produced and directed by Taylor Hackford ; it was written by James L. White from a story by Hackford and White.
US musical legend Ray Charles, who was totally blind by age 7, had probably been afflicted with glaucoma and may have had buphthalmos early in life. [6] The blindness of saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977) is noted on his 1952 leaving report card from Ohio State School for the Blind as caused by bupthalmos. [7]
The first recorded gospel sanctified barrelhouse piano player, Arizona Dranes, was blind, as were Al Hibbler, and Ray Charles, one of the most important figures in the creation of soul music. Art Tatum , commonly cited as the greatest jazz pianist of all time, was also almost blind.
While some roles merely require learning some choreography and slight makeup, others are more intensive, like Jamie Foxx having his eyes glued shut to portray blind musician Ray Charles.
Ray Charles as Ray, a blind music store owner, who performs "Shake a Tail Feather" to demonstrate the effectiveness of the instruments he sells [6] Aretha Franklin as Mrs. Murphy, Matt Murphy's wife, who owns a soul food restaurant with him. She performs "Think" to persuade him not to join the band [6]
Jamie Foxx went into the 2005 Oscar ceremony the heavy favorite to win the lead actor award for his performance as Ray Charles in "Ray." Sure enough, presenter Charlize Theron called out his name.
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