Rock History

2007 – Ray Charles Plaza was opened in Albany, Georgia, with a revolving, bronze sculpture of Charles seated at a piano.

Ray Charles

2005 – Ray Charles’ posthumous duets record Genius Loves Company ascends to the No. 1 album spot in the U.S. following his multiple Grammy wins. Highest new entry is the compilation Disneymania 3, in at No. 46.

2004 – The L.A. recording studios of Ray Charles _ RPM International _ are designated as a historic landmark at a public ceremony. “Thank you all from my heart,” Charles tells the audience gathered at the studios.

2004 – Ray Charles is inducted in the NAACP Hall of Fame. Ray, You Rocked!

2002 – R&B legend Ray Charles is presented with an honorary doctorate of philosophy degree during commencement at Albany State University in his hometown of Albany, Ga.

1998 – Ray Charles makes his first solo performance in 53 years on the television shopping network QVC to promote the first product from his merchandising and marketing company RCR Productions, a book-and-CD set called “Ray Charles – My Early Years 1930-1960.”

1977 – Ray Charles attacked onstage by a man who tries to strangle him with a rope.

1962 – Ray Charles started a 14-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music’.

1962 – Today’s issue of Billboard reports that Ray Charles has started his own Tangerine record label.

1961 -  wins four Grammys, including Best Male Vocal Performance for “Georgia on My Mind.”

1960 - Ray Charles records his signature song “Georgia on My Mind.”

Lyrics:

Georgia, Georgia,
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I’m say Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

I said Georgia,
Ooh Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

Georgia,
Georgia,
No peace, no peace I find
Just this old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I said just an old sweet song,
Keeps Georgia on my mind

1959 – The Drifters, Jimmy Reed, Ray Charles and BB King all appeared at the Herndon Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.