Blind by age 7 and an orphan at 15, Charles overcame poverty, blindness and heroin addiction to lay the foundation for soul music.

    The gifted pianist and saxophonist spent his life shattering any notion of musical categories and defying easy definition.

    Charles won nine of his 12 Grammys between 1960 and 1966. He is well-known for producing his own version of songs, including a stirring America the Beautiful, which he sang for the late President Reagan at his 1985 inaugural ball.

    A memorial service was planned for next week at Los Angeles.

(CRIENGLISH.com)