( The first comprehensive, definitive biography of Ray Charles ( Based on extensive interviews with Ray Charles himself, as well as more than 150 other sources( Includes 16 pages of photos"Absolutely fresh and compelling. This is a book not just about Ray Charles but about the world that nourished and inspired him. A true revelation."-Peter Guralnick, author of Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love"An exhaustively researched, movingly written biography of the man Frank Sinatra once called 'the only genius in our business.'"-People"Admirable...engrossing...Lydon isn't afraid to peek under those dark glasses and present a complete picture of this phenomenally talented but equally complicated man."-Jeff Turrentine, Forbes"[Ray Charles] may well be the ultimate American story....Remarkably candid. A scrupulous and perceptive piece of work."-Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post"This is no quickie pop-star bio. Lydon understands that Ray Charles is a character as complicated as any in fiction and fully as interesting. Dostoevsky might have invented Ray Charles, had he the inspiration."-The Newark Star-Ledger"Lydon's richly detailed account powerfully evokes his times and context....Essential reading for popular-music fans."-Booklist