Often referred to as “The Genius”, Ray Charles Robinson was affectionately known among friends and fellow musicians as “Brother Ray”. Ranked number 2 on the Rolling Stone’s “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” list, Ray Charles was most well known for pioneering the soul music genre in the 1950s by combining rhythm and blues, blues and gospel, and contributing to the genres of country and pop music. “Brother Ray” left a strong musical legacy, influencing many individuals and musicians, including Oakland’s very own, Bryan Dyer.