Ray Charles: "I Was Born With Music Inside Me"

African-American Biography Library

by Carin T. Ford

The music of Ray Charles blends the sounds of R and B, gospel, and rock and roll to create a unique sound that attracts music listeners everywhere. Ray Charles began playing the piano at age three, only four years later he lost his sight, but his love for music persisted and he continued to play saying, "You don't give up what's natural." Charles traveled the country making a name for himself and his music. The going was not always easy but as long as Ray could play his music he knew he would be all right. Music lovers will relish this new profile of the man who continues to make listeners get up and dance.

128 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ms. Ford has been writing professionally for more than twenty years as a journalist, a fiction writer, and a biographer. She began her career as a newspaper reporter and went on to write short stories that have been published in national and international magazines. Many of her stories are included in reference books aimed at teaching writing skills. She is now devoting her time to middle grade fiction and nonfiction.