Ray Charles Was Not Born Blind. He Began To Lose His At Age Four Due To Glaucoma

Ray Charles, one of the most iconic voices in American music history, is often remembered for his incredible talent and unique ability to blend soul, gospel, blues, and jazz. But what many people don’t realize is that Charles wasn’t born blind. His loss of sight was a gradual and painful process—one that shaped his grit, character, and outlook on life.

Born in Albany, Georgia in 1930, Ray Charles began to lose his vision at the age of four due to glaucoma. By the age of seven, he was completely blind. While others in his community responded with sympathy and sorrow, his mother, Aretha Robinson, took a very different—and ultimately transformative—approach.

Ray would later recall his mother’s tough love, which became a guiding principle in his life. “When I got to feeling sorry for myself,” he once said, “she’d get tough and say, ‘You’re blind, you ain’t dumb; you lost your sight, not your mind.’” This mindset became the bedrock of his incredible resilience and confidence.

Aretha Robinson instilled in Ray a belief that he could do anything other children could do. She did not allow him to wallow in self-pity or be coddled because of his disability. Instead, she demanded independence and excellence. This early foundation would empower Charles to attend the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, master piano and composition, and ultimately, conquer the music world.

Charles went on to become a pioneer in soul music, winning 17 Grammy Awards and being honored with numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His refusal to be defined or limited by his blindness set an example for millions, proving that obstacles don’t have to dictate your destiny.

Ray Charles' story is a powerful testament to the influence of a strong-willed parent and the unshakable belief in oneself. It’s not just a story about blindness—it’s a story about vision.