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Ray Charles

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Ray Charles: Biography

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Birth Name: Ray Charles Robinson
Birth Place: Albany, GA
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 09/23/1930, Virgo
Date of Death: 06/10/2004
Profession: Singer; songwriter; pianist

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Ray Charles Fast Facts:

At age 5, he witnessed his younger brother George drown in a washtub.
Became permanently blind from glaucoma at age 7.
Learned to read and compose music in Braille.
Dropped Robinson from his last name to distinguish himself from boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.
His rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" was named Georgia's state song in 1979.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the institution's inaugural class in 1986.

Ray Charles Relationships:
Alexandra Bertrand - Daughter
Aretha Robinson - Mother
Arlette Kotchounian - Ex-significant Other
Bailey Robinson - Father
Chantelle Bertrand - Ex-significant Other
Charles Hendricks - Son
Corey Robinson den Bok - Son
David Robinson - Son
Della Beatrice Howard - Ex-wife
Eileen Williams - Ex-wife
Evelyn Robinson - Daughter
George Robinson - Brother
Louise Mitchell - Ex-significant Other
Mae Mosely Lyles - Ex-significant Other
Margie Hendricks - Ex-significant Other
Mary Anne den Bok - Ex-significant Other
Raenee Robinson - Daughter
Ray Charles Robinson Jr. - Son
Reatha Butler - Daughter
Robert Robertson - Son
Robyn Moffett - Daughter
Sandra Jean Betts - Ex-significant Other
Sheila Robinson - Daughter
Vincent Kotchounian - Son
Ray Charles Awards:
2004 Grammy: Best Gospel Performance - Winner
1960 Grammy: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance - Winner
1966 Grammy: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance - Winner
2004 Grammy: Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals - Winner
2004 Grammy: Best Pop Vocal Album - Winner
1960 Grammy: Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male - Winner
1990 Grammy: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals - Winner
1975 Grammy: Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male - Winner
1993 Grammy: Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male - Winner
2004 Grammy: Album of the Year - Winner
1988 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
1961 Grammy: Best Rhythm & Blues Recording - Winner
1962 Grammy: Best Rhythm & Blues Recording - Winner
1963 Grammy: Best Rhythm & Blues Recording - Winner
1966 Grammy: Best Rhythm & Blues Recording - Winner
1960 Grammy: Best Vocal Performance Album, Male - Winner
1960 Grammy: Best Vocal Performance Single Record or Track, Male - Winner
2004 Grammy: Record of the Year - Winner
1992 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Direction - Nominee
1989 Emmy: Outstanding Music for Special Events - Nominee
1971 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music, Lyrics and Special Material - Winner
1990 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction - Nominee
1972 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music, Lyrics and Special Material - Winner
1993 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics - Nominee
1966 Emmy: Individual Achievements in Music - Nominee
1981 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics - Nominee
1984 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction - Nominee
1986 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics - Nominee