The late, great Ray Charles should be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for the following reasons.

His 1962 album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, has become a landmark album in American music in general, as Charles integration of country and soul bended racial barriers in music, especially during the height of the civil rights movement. Charles took old classic country standards and gave them an entirely new feel and emotion. In addition, this album allowed Charles to become one of the first African-American musicians to exercise complete artistic control over his own recording career.

Because of this album, it has brought Ray Charles further mainstream notice. In addition, it has allowed country music to experience an immediate increase in popularity. Many countless artists who have followed have pointed to the album as their inspiration.

This album has done more for country music than any one artist has ever doneall thanks to Ray Charles. Therefore, he deserves an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.