Ray Charles was an American singer, pianist and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of soul music. From the 1950s onward, he developed a distinctive style blending gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, blues and country, driven by an instantly recognizable voice and highly expressive piano playing. With songs such as What’d I Say, Hit the Road Jack and Georgia on My Mind, Ray Charles profoundly influenced soul, rhythm and blues and American popular music as a whole.