Charles, Ray. (1930–2004)

"Hands of a Genius" - Original Photograph

An original photograph of the legendary soul singer and pianist's hands, shown moving over a page of Braille writing. Promotional caption in the lower margin reads: "Hands of a Genius - Ray Charles / Recording exclusively for ABC-Paramount Records." In very good condition. 8 x 10 inches.

The American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer Ray Charles, blind from the age of seven, pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s by combining blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles into the music he recorded for Atlantic Records. He also contributed to the integration of country and rhythm and blues and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his two Modern Sounds albums. While he was with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be granted artistic control by a mainstream record company. Charles cited Nat King Cole as a primary influence, but his music was also influenced by country, jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues artists of the day, including Louis Jordan and Charles Brown. (14704)

Unsigned Photograph Jazz