Charles Ray - Genius Loves Company

Facts EXCLUSIVE COLOR 2 disc gatefold Opaque GOLD VINYL. Ray Charles's recordings are major landmarks in American culture. By combining Gospel with Rhythm & Blues, Charles pioneered soul music and his groundbreaking move into Country music during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, broke racial barriers while elevating Country music to world-wide popularity for the very first time. Ray Charles uniquely succeeded in recording and blending virtually every genre of music including soul, R&B, jazz, blue country, rock and pop in unique and unprecedented ways; which is why Frank Sinatra dubbed him the only "True Genius" in music. This visionary singer, songwriter, pianist and composer brought his expansive musical vision to a worldwide audience and forever changed the face of American Music. Charles' staggering achievements over a 58-year career include 17 GRAMMY Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement and the President's Merit Award, the Presidential Medal for the Arts, France's Legion of Honor, the Kennedy Center Honors, the NAACP Image Awards' "Hall of Fame Award," and numerous other music Halls of Fame, including those for Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, all testament to his enormous influence. In 2019, he was honored by the Grand Ole Opry with An Opry Salute to Ray Charles, which was broadcast across PBS stations.