Ray Charles Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004 | Age 73 | Singer, Musician, and Composer
Ray Charles, known as 'The Genius,' pioneered soul music by combining gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and country in a revolutionary synthesis. Blind since age 7, he overcame profound adversity to become one of the most celebrated musicians in American history. His recording of 'Georgia on My Mind' became the official state song of Georgia.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of Ray Charles
Ray Charles's recording of 'America the Beautiful' became an unofficial second national anthem, performed at presidential inaugurations and national ceremonies. The biographical film Ray (2004), starring Jamie Foxx, won two Academy Awards and introduced his music to a new generation. The Ray Charles Memorial Library in Los Angeles preserves his musical archive. His foundation has donated millions to schools for the blind and hearing-impaired. His childhood home in Albany, Georgia, is a museum.
Major Achievements and Honors
- 17× Grammy Award winner
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1987)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1986)
- Rolling Stone #10 on 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1984)
- Georgia on My Mind — official state song of Georgia
- Hit the Road Jack, Georgia on My Mind, and America the Beautiful are American standards
Born: September 23, 1930 | Died: June 10, 2004
Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1930 and passed away on June 10, 2004 at the age of 73. The cause of death was acute liver disease following hepatitis C. Ray Charles was a American singer, musician, and composer whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering Ray Charles
Memorials for Ray Charles have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If Ray Charles inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ray Charles die?
Ray Charles died on June 10, 2004 at the age of 73. The cause of death was acute liver disease following hepatitis C.
What was Ray Charles known for?
Ray Charles, known as 'The Genius,' pioneered soul music by combining gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and country in a revolutionary synthesis. Blind since age 7, he overcame profound adversity to become one of the most celebrated musicians in American history. His recording of 'Georgia on My Mind' became the official state song of Georgia.
What is Ray Charles’s legacy?
Ray Charles's recording of 'America the Beautiful' became an unofficial second national anthem, performed at presidential inaugurations and national ceremonies. The biographical film Ray (2004), starring Jamie Foxx, won two Academy Awards and introduced his music to a new generation. The Ray Charles Memorial Library in Los Angeles preserves his musical archive. His foundation has donated millions to schools for the blind and hearing-impaired. His childhood home in Albany, Georgia, is a museum.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of Ray Charles. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.