Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) went blind at the age of seven, shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Ray found his calling and his gift at a piano keyboard.

Touring the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer steadily gained a reputation for his talents - before exploding onto the worldwide stage with his inimitable fusion of gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences.

As he revolutionised the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him, and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business.

Ray provides an unflinching portrait of Charles' musical genius as he is transformed into one of the country's most beloved performers.

Synopsis

The true life story of legendary blues singer Ray Charles from loosing his eyesight in early childhood, to his rising career during the 1950s and 1960s, and his problems with racism, drug abuse, failed relationships and his ideas to change the pace music by combining soul and gospel music.