Musician Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1930, in Georgia, USA. He grew up playing the piano, but at age six, his glaucoma worsened and he lost his sight. He also lost both parents at age 15, resulting in a difficult childhood. Meanwhile, Ray studied music while attending a school for the blind. He eventually formed the band "The Maxin Trio" and made his professional debut in 1949 with the single "Confession Blues," which immediately reached number two on the US R&B chart. His bold arrangements of gospel music garnered worldwide attention, and his songs have been covered by famous artists such as Elvis Presley. Ray's signature work, released in 1959, was "What'd I Say." This song not only became Ray's first million-seller but also reached the top 10 on the US pop charts. That same year, he won a Grammy for his album "The Genius of Ray Charles," and the following year, he finally reached number one on the pop charts with "Georgia on My Mind." Ray's voice, resonating amidst majestic choruses and violins, has been highly praised in Japan as well.

Ray subsequently expanded beyond the boundaries of soul, releasing songs in a variety of genres, including jazz and country. These achievements were recognized, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. In Japan, he also covered Southern All Stars' "Itoshi no Ellie" in 1989. It gained attention when it was used in a Suntory commercial, and when it was released as "Ellie My Love - Itoshi no Ellie," it became a huge hit. In 2004, a biographical film about Ray, directed by Taylor Hackford, was scheduled to be released, but he passed away from pancreatic cancer just before the film's release. He was 73 years old at the time. The following year, his duet with Norah Jones, "Here We Go Again," won a total of eight Grammy Awards.