Ray Charles: The Birth of Soul

(Omnibus Press). This is the amazing story of a true innovator and his enormous impact on the popular music of the last fifty years. Acknowledged as an inspiration by everyone from Elvis Presley and Stevie Wonder to The Beatles and Norah Jones, Charles simply changed the face of popular music forever. Author Mike Evans traces Charles's personal story from the first musical stirrings of a troubled childhood to the pinnacle of international success, evaluating his extraordinary influence on the way. With many quotes and exclusive interviews, including several with Ray Charles himself, this is the definitive account of the life and legacy of the musician for whom the word "genius" can be the only apt description.