Every genre of music has an especially talented musician that stands out above the rest. Here are five outstanding musicians who’s talent stands out in five different genres of music.
Soul/ R&B: Stevie Wonder
Born Stevland Hardaway Junkins, on May 13, 1950, Stevie Wonder has been blind since infancy. At the ripe old age of 13, Stevie had his first major hit with Mowtown Records. He still records for the label today.
Country: Ronnie Milsap
Born blind and into severe poverty in North Carolina, Milsap`s mother thought that her son's blindness was a punishment from god. She could not have been more wrong. The only other country music star to have more #1 hits was Conway Twitty.
Latin: Jose Feliciano
Jose was born blind on September 10 1945 in Puerto Rico. He has recorded nearly 70 albums in both English and Spanish. Because he refuses to forget his humble beginnings, he is considered a humanitarian and an ambassador of good will across the world. In spite of his success he is very humble and says he has just begun to share his talent.
Rock: Jeff Healey
Jeff was born in Toronto on March 25, 1966 as Norman Jeffery Healey. Jeff lost his sight at one year old due to cancer, yet began to play the guitar at the age of three, developing his unique style of playing it on his lap. On January 11 2007 Jeff underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue from both lungs.
Blues: Ray Charles
Ray was born on September 23, 1930 to parents who never married. Ray began going blind at 6 and was totally blind by age 7. Ray had several #1 recordings over the years, despite a 20 year addiction to herion. On April 24, 1979, his version of Georgia on My Mind was proclaimed the official state song of Georgia. Ray Charles died of liver cancer on June 10, 2004.
Ronnie Milsap was one of my favorites as was Ray Charles.
#2 by Darlene McFarlane, Jan 6, 2008
A good article. As much as I would like to listen to the clips, I won't. They aren't going to ding me for a penny until I can get rid of this ISP.
#3 by B. A., Jan 6, 2008
Once again, a very interesting read. A little entertainment,,a little information. I spent a delightful time checking out your page.
Thank you.
#4 by Lucy Lockett, Jan 6, 2008
Exceptional article, I love all of these musicians!
#5 by francie, Jan 7, 2008
Good article, I really love all these artists although I do not think I know much of Jeff Healey. I enjoyed listening to all, Thanks!
#6 by louie jerome, Jan 7, 2008
Great article, I'm really into blues music, I play it on clarinet so the Ray Charles clipwas my favourite.
#7 by Bob Brancato, Feb 13, 2008
Excellent choices! May I suggest "The Blind Boys of Alabama". They've been performing together for over 60 years. Try their album, "Higher Ground". Truly amazing.
To commenter francie regarding Jeff Healey. Either rent the movie "Roadhouse" or watch cable TV. It's on almost every day it seems!
#8 by Ben Willis, Apr 23, 2008
I wish you had a folk and/or instrumentalist catagory for Doc Watson.
#9 by Alex, Jun 6, 2008
Opera: Andrea Bocelli. Good Article.
#10 by Marc, Apr 11, 2009
What can do Jose Feliciano with over 30 instruments but especially with the guitar and vocal is incredible, out of this world!
