Often referred to as the "Father of Soul", Ray Charles Robinson is considered to be one of the most influential pioneers of soul music during the 1950's due to his unique jazzy music style that incorporated rhythm and blues as well as gospel. Ray Charles was most notably known for his popular hit singles such as "Hit the Road Jack", but also for his blind condition. During his time recording for Atlantic Records, the gospel style and sound he had become familiar with at church growing up found a way into his music and the barriers between secular and sacred music were taken down. The influences and motivations that shaped Ray Charles' career and him as a person were based upon creating what he considered was soul music. .
Born on September 23, 1930, Ray Charles had a difficult childhood becoming fully blind at the age of seven. Ray Charles first learned to play several instruments at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. Soon after his mother passed at the age of fifteen, Ray Charles moved to Seattle and all throughout the 40's he performed with the McSon Trio as well as many other artists like Cole Porter and Dizzy Gillespie. In Seattle is where he would also pick up the habit of always wearing sunglasses, made by designer Billy Stickles. He would also soon drop his last name Robinson to avoid any confusion with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, becoming just Ray Charles. His work and musical style heavily resembled Charles Brown and Nat King Cole, two of Ray Charles' biggest musical influences. It was with the McSon Trio that Ray Charles made it to the R&B charts in the late 40's with the hit singles, "Confession Blues", "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand" and "Kissa Me Baby". By 1953, Ray Charles caught the mainstream's eye and was signed to Atlantic Records, where he would soon make national headlines. .
Ray Charles' entrance into Atlantic Records were marked with jump blues and a boogie-woogie style along with slower blues ballads that accentuated vocals more, indicative of the style of his influences Nat King Cole and Charles Brown.