Black History at the Opry | Ray Charles

Opry members Trisha Yearwood, Ketch Secor, Chris Young and the late Johnny Cash, Nashville Country Music Reporter Marcus Dowling, singer/songwriters Leann Rimes, Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men, and Valerie Ervin of the Ray Charles Foundation share how Charles inspired them, the legacy and impact of “Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music,” and how Charles transcended country music to what it is today and broke (and is still breaking) barriers.

Often called “The Genius,” Ray Charles was a legendary musician who combined blues, gospel, R&B, country music and jazz resulting in a multi-award winning 50-year career, a legacy, and many groundbreaking hits like “Unchain My Heart,” “I’ve Got a Woman,” and “What I’d Say.”