Ray Charles Accomplishments

In the 1940s, the equivalent of a meteorite hit the American music industry, driving it into a new dimension of creativity and innovation. The predominantly white industry experienced exceptional African American artists in the last two decades, but nothing compared to the impact of Ray Charles. His art expression gave American music a new identity, and his raw talent rocked it into a new generation. Ray Charles is an influential and inspiring American figure because he created a new era of American music with his unique style, contributed considerably in the racial integration of entertainment industry, and proved that any child, despite challenges and handicaps, could achieve success if they worked hard and stayed true to their morals. Foremost, …show more content…
As one of the first African American artists to gain wide chart success and popularity with both races, he used his position to support the civil rights movement. Most notably, Charles made headlines for his refusal to perform at a dance hall in Georgia after learning the administrators planned to separate students by race. Subsequently, Charles faced the repercussions of a lawsuit, a fine, and a lifetime ban from performing in Georgia. His action inspired other artists to follow suit, and the controversy initiated further protests to end segregation. Another achievement of Charles’ resulted from the exertion of his legal rights regardless of race. When signing his contract to ABC, he insisted that he retain artist control of his music, an unusual prospect for a large record company but reasonable for someone of his talent, although not of his race. ABC fulfilled his request, and the landmark decision made him one of the first African American musicians to win the privilege. Finally, Charles contributed to the integration of the entertainment very subtly with the musicians he hired. Many talented African American musicians earned the experience and respect in the industry they needed to become independently successful by playing in Charles’ band. Charles’ efforts for integration changed the industry almost as much as his music by helping to …show more content…
However, how he overcame these problems and setbacks taught the American nation and music industry a lesson about what it takes to fulfill one’s dreams. As a child, Charles overcame depression onset by trauma from his brother’s early death, fear from his rapid loss of vision, and the hardships endured from the extreme poverty where he and his single mother lived. He worked tirelessly to adjust to life without sight, and successfully learned to read, write, and play the piano. Later in life, he suffered from an extensive heroin addiction and legal issues that followed. Charles eventually admitted himself to a rehabilitation center and pushed himself to the limit in order to return to music as quickly as possible. He proved to people nationwide that no matter the challenges, one could always succeed if they work hard and do not feel sorry for themselves. Charles also earned a reputation for acting notoriously stubborn as a precaution against swindling, and as a way to assert his authority despite his disability. Early in his career, he insisted his paycheck in one-dollar bills to ensure he received the proper amount. Throughout his life, he carried the reputation of an incessantly strict and harsh leader to his bands. Lastly, Charles taught the nation that any ailment is only a disability or handicap if you accept it as one. Despite his