September 22, 2005 10:45

Ray Charles memorabilia donated to museum

The items include his dark glasses and a Braille keyboard

A collection of Ray Charles memorabilia has been donated to a Washington museum.

Items including the late singer’s dark glasses, a Braille keyboard and stage costumes have been given by his estate to the Smithsonian National Museum Of American History.

Braille magazines and a chess set for the blind are also amongst the artefacts, with museum director Brent Glass saying that the items would be used to show how people can contend with their disabilities.

According to BBC News, he said: “Ray Charles' life and career are testaments to the enduring value of the American dream, that anyone from any background and with any disability can overcome obstacles and lead a successful life.”

Charles, who died last June at the age of 74, used the Braille keyboard during tours in the 1980s and 1990s.

The museum is set to start displaying the memorabilia on October 28.

The soul legend was left completely blind at the age of seven from glaucoma and decided to become a musician after studying at a school for the deaf and blind.

Joe Adams, Charles’ long time manager and friend, has also donated some of his own memorabilia to the museum, including photographs.