“The mournful expressiveness of his voice opens a window into the human heart, it is the sound of soul, a cosmic howl that cuts through emotional canvases like a hot knife through butter.” These words of Yvonne Smith perfectly describe the incredible voice of Ray Charles. Charles, the man who combined blues, jazz, gospel and rhythm & blues creating the music that we now know as soul, can rightfully be called a genius. This documentary gives a unique overview of his turbulent life. Colleagues and contemporaries including David "Fathead" Newman, Dr. John, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Hank Crawford, Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, Billy Preston, Merry Clayton and Ray Charles, Jr. share their first-hand experiences with Ray Charles.