Ray Charles

As a young boy of four, Ray Charles fell in love with music, and as a man, the world fell in love with Ray Charles? marvelous mix of jazz, blues, and gospel music. His soulful melodies and heartfelt songs of joy have been embraced around the world for decades. In this republication of the award-winning biography originally published in 1973, readers learn the rags-to-riches story of Charles? life?from age seven, when he loses his sight completely, to age forty, when he performs to dazzled audiences worldwide and participates in the fight for racial justice. A new introduction by the author sets the context for Charles? journey to stardom, and an afterword updates his life after the end of the story. Ray Charles was a legendary figure, a superstar of the entertainment world. His story was that of a man who, against all odds, fulfilled his boyhood dream to ?be a great musician.?

SHARON BELL MATHIS has won numerous awards for her many children's books, including the 1974 Coretta Scott King Author Award for Ray Charles. A former teacher, Mathis lives in Ft. Washington, Maryland.