Ray

Ray follows the life of Ray Charles, a blind pianist who rises from rural hardship to international stardom. Born on a Florida sharecropping farm, he loses his sight early but refuses to let darkness define him. With a stubborn mother urging self reliance, he hones piano skills that fuse spirituals with secular rhythm, creating a sound that feels intimate yet explosive, and draws crowds wherever he goes. The film chronicles his first clubs on the Southern circuit, the breakthrough moments that make him a sensation, and the way his music reshapes popular taste by blending gospel and country influences. It also shows how personal losses and fierce willpower test his relationships and drive his ambitious mission.

Directed by Taylor Hackford, Ray features Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles with Kerry Washington and Regina King, based on James L White's screenplay. The film adapts the musician's life into a vivid foreground for performance and memory.

Budgeted at about 40 million, the film earned around 125 million worldwide, signaling solid box office reception and broad audience appeal across generations. Domestically it performed strongly, while international markets helped push the total past the hundred million mark.

Jamie Foxx's portrayal sparked widespread attention, energizing discussions about authentic biopics and musical creativity. The film helped popularize Ray Charles's blend of gospel and country in a new light, reinforcing his status in American music history and film culture. Dynamic set pieces pull audiences into performances of Georgia on My Mind, Hit the Road Jack, and other signature songs, cementing the film's place in pop culture conversations.

Critics praised the performance and Hackford's direction, noting how the film balances genius with the toll of fame, addiction, and personal relationships. It examines resilience, identity, and creativity under pressure, delivering a portrait that feels sincere, pragmatic, and emotionally resonant. It stands as a vivid, enduring portrait of a musician who bridged genres and shaped pop culture.