In 1948, Ray Charles started using heroin at the age of 18 to cope with the depression that followed his brother’s death. Like other people with a history of substance abuse, Ray Charles’ heroin addiction began with marijuana, commonly referred to as a gateway drug.

Not every story ended happily — like that of the Ray Charles heroin struggle — but even some of the sadder stories can be strangely entertaining. Case in point, the story Quincy Jones told GQ about watching the unique Ray Charles heroin injection method.

Feb 8, 2018 · On June 10, 2004, at the age of 73, Ray Charles died of complications resulting from acute liver disease at his home in Beverly Hills surrounded by family and friends. Ray’s arrest became a footnote in the pop culture history of Indianapolis.

Mar 21, 2011 · One of music’s all-time legends, the late Ray Charles, battled heroin addiction for many years – an addiction that many believe affected his life more than losing his eyesight ever could.

Oct 21, 2024 · Ray Charles, the legendary musician, faced a tough battle with heroin addiction. Despite his incredible talent and success, this struggle was a significant part of his life. Heroin addiction took a heavy toll on his health and career, creating challenges he had to overcome.

Jan 11, 2024 · November 7, 1961, on the heels of recording what was arguably his best jazz album ever, Ray Charles checked in to the Downtown Sheraton-Lincoln Hotel. His band stayed in the old black Claypool Hotel. That night, Ray got a call from a …

Jul 11, 2024 · Amid his rising fame, Ray Charles’s life was marred by his struggles with heroin addiction. Charles’s addiction began in the early years of his career and became a persistent battle for over two decades. In 1964, his career faced a significant hurdle when he was arrested for possession of heroin.

Oct 19, 2018 · Photo by Barry King/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images. If you are familiar with Quincy Jones ‘ story (or watched his Netflix documentary) you may know he and Ray Charles were best friends as teenagers. While on tour, if you believe the musical icon, Ray got him addicted to Heroin at just 15 years old. Yikes!

Oct 19, 2018 · Quincy recalled the moments from the 1940s when he’d run with Ray and company… “He got me hooked for five months, at 15,” he said of his fortunately short-lived experience with heroin abuse.

Jun 25, 2020 · Della Beatrice Howard Robinson with Ray Charles. Source: Autobiography Her Children. She has three children with her ex-husband Ray Charles. She became a mother for the first time on 25 May 1955. Her first son's name is Ray Charles Robinson Jr. …