First published in 1973, this picture book biography was the first recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, for its evocative black-and-white artwork by George Ford. Nearly 30 years later, both the text and pictures still stand as an outstanding introduction to the life of the great singer who faced personal and professional obstacles. Sharon Bell Mathis has added a new introduction and afterword to bring the material up to date. (Ages 7–10)

As a young boy he fell in love with music, and as a man, the world fell in love with his music. Ray Charles and his soulful, passionate rhythms and melodies have been embraced around the world for decades.

Now, in this beautiful new edition of an award-winning biography, readers can follow Charles from his boyhood, when he lost his sight and learned to read and write music in Braille, until the age of 40, when he had become a world-renowned jazz and blues musician packing auditoriums and stadiums.

And in a new introduction and afterword, the author updates Charles's life to the present.