Ray Charles

Ray Charles was a pioneering American pianist and soul musician who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues
Ray Charles brought a soulful sound to country music, pop standards, and a rendition of "America the Beautiful" that Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes called the "definitive version of the song, an American anthem — a classic, just as the man who sang it.
Frank Sinatra called him "the only true genius in the business "
( Wikipedia )