Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004) — "The Genius" and "Father of Soul" — fused gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, country and pop into modern soul music. Won 17 Grammy Awards.
Lost sight by age 7 (glaucoma), attended Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, mastered Braille music, orphaned by age 15, began professional career as teenager.
From the album A Message From The People (1972). One of the most soulful and powerful recordings of the song ever made.