10 Blind Musicians Who Inspire With Their Talent and Bravery

2. Ray Charles

Ray Charles was a musician, pianist, and a composer who was born with poor eyesight, possibly due to glaucoma. Due to his poor vision, he was unable to attend school, so he had to educate himself by listening to the radio. Ray published his first single “Confession Blues” in 1950. In the following years, Ray became one of the biggest figures in the world of music, and earned the nickname “The Genius”. Ray released a large number of acclaimed albums, and his album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” is considered to be one of the most influential albums in the history of music.

Some of Ray’s most popular songs include:

1. "I Can’t Stop Loving You”
2. “Georgia On My Mind”
3. “What I’d Say”

Ray has been awarded 18 Grammys. The 2004 biopic "Ray" was a testament to his life and accomplishments.  His honors include:

1. Kennedy Center Honors
2. the National Medal of Arts
3. the Polar Music Prize

In 1986, he was one of the inaugural inductees at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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