Ray Charles, one of the most famous artists, rose to fame despite being blind since the age of seven. Perhaps you’re familiar with Ray Charles. But do you know how old he was when he died, and how much money he made in 2021? If you don’t know, we’ve written a short biography-wiki about Ray Charles’s career, professional life, personal life, current net worth, age, height, weight, and other statistics. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.

Ray Charles’s Net Worth and Salary in 2021

Ray received a lot of praise for his efforts, and with praise comes money. His revenues from his record The Genius of Ray Charles are expected to be $495,000. He received a $50,000 advance payment from ABC, which included higher royalties than previously given and eventual ownership of his masters. His net worth was believed to be around $75 million at the time of his death.

Famous Artist Ray Charles total net worth was $75 million (SOURCE:Britannica)

After 53 years of continuous work, Charles canceled his tour for the first time in 2003. He immediately discovered he had liver problems. Charles died in 2004 at his home in Beverly Hills, California, after recording more than 60 albums. Genius Loves Company was his final album, released after his death. Ray, a film based on Charles’ life story, was directed by Jamie Foxx and starred Jamie Foxx as his character.

Estate Legal Battle

Ray had 12 children from ten different women, which led to a legal battle over his estate. Each of his children received a gift of $500,000 under the terms of his bequest. That’s a total of $6 million. He also allegedly told them in person that they will be getting more money in the future. The kids took this to mean that they would be entitled to a share of his future income and intellectual property.

The Ray Charles Foundation, which helps youngsters with hearing and vision problems, received the majority of his remaining assets. The foundation had $60 million in assets at its height in 2011, and generated around $5 million in investment income. The Ray Charles Foundation now has $41 million in assets and earns roughly $3 million in revenue each year.

Ray’s children will subsequently seek for their father’s songwriting and master recordings rights. The master recordings and other IP assets, they claimed, were worth $25 million to $50 million. The foundation countersued, claiming that the lawsuit violated their trust fund agreements. The case went on until 2015, when a California court ruled in favor of the foundation.

Early Years of Ray Charles

Ray was born in Albany, Georgia, on September 23, 1930. His mother was a sharecropper, while his father was a mechanic. The saddest event in his life occurred when he witnessed his own sibling drowning.

His mother enrolled him in a state-run school, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, in St. Augustine, Florida, when he lost his sight at the age of seven. He learnt to play trumpet, clarinet, sax, organ, and piano there, as well as arrange music. His classmates enjoy listening to his songs.

Age, height, and weight of Ray Charles

Ray Charles died at the age of 73, having been born on September 23, 1930. He stood 1.75 meters tall and weighed 77 kilograms.

Career of Ray Charles

After his mother died, he went on tour with “Chitlin’ Circuit” and became addicted to heroin. Ray was a member of the McSon Trio in 1940. In 1949, he recorded his first single, “Confession Blues,” which became a hit on the R&B charts. “Kissa Me Baby” and “Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand” were his other two successful singles at the time.

His song “I Got a Woman” went to number one on the charts the following year. Ray was dubbed “The Genius” by his peers because of his incredible talent. “Hit the Road, Jack” and “Georgia on My Mind” were two additional 1960 songs that catapulted Ray to stardom.

Private Life of Ray Charles

Charles married Eileen Williams twice, the first time from 1951 to 1952. Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was his second wife. In 1955, they married and had three boys together. His marriage worsened due to his persistent heroin addiction and infidelity on tour, and they divorced in 1977. Charles had 12 children with 10 different women, the majority of whom were the product of extramarital affairs. Norma Pinella was his partner at the time of his death. Ray died of liver failure on June 10, 2004, at the age of 73, at his residence in Beverly Hills, California. B.B. King and Stevie Wonder performed musical tributes at his funeral, which were attended by many significant personalities in the music industry.

Achievements & Awards

Ray is the first musician to be elected into the Georgia State Music Hall of Fame, and his song “Georgia on My Mind” was named Georgia’s official song in 1979. In 1981, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He earned the Kennedy Center Honors and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

In 1987, he was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1993. In 1998, he was awarded the Polar Prize, and in 2004, he was inducted into the National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame. The United States Postal Service has issued a stamp in his honor.

Quick Facts of Ray Charles