What genre was Ray Charles in?

Ray Charles was one of the most iconic figures in American music. He was a pioneer in the genres of rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul music, and helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also known for his distinctive voice and his ability to play multiple instruments, including the piano, saxophone, and drums. Charles was one of the first African-American musicians to achieve mainstream success in the United States and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of music.