Blindness+and+Career

When Ray Charles was only six year old, he traumatically watched his brother drown in a wash tub that his mother used for laundry. Not long after, he began to lose his sight from glaucoma. His mother helped him to become self-dependent so he could accomplish things on his own. When he was seven he attended the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind. He was unable to take piano courses right away as the class was filled. So, he decided to learn the clarinet. Then he took interest in the alto saxaphone before finally gaining a spot in the piano class. He also studied mathematics and to read and write music in Braile. The studies he took in mathematics helped him to learn to compose music in his head and to learn to play by ear. The music department of St. Augustine School was mostly focused on Classical music, but Ray preferred Jazz and Blues. He found himself often practicing what he loved most.

One day while he was there, he was pulled from his class because of an emengency that occured at home. Sadly, the school had to tell him that his mother had died. Soon after he heard what happened, he left the school and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He joined a group of musicians who toured the South and performed at various places. Becoming a part of this group really helped Ray start his career and to be what he wanted to be. Considering the hectic schedule, Ray went with the group everywhere and never took a breathe or pause. When Ray grew tired of Florida he decided to use his saving and go far away. He found himself in Seattle, Washington. There, he formed a band called the McSon Trio that eventually had its own television show.

Kelsie Jensen