The film chronicles the inspiring life of Ray Charles, a trailblazing musician who overcame great adversity to achieve worldwide fame. Born in the impoverished town of Albany, Georgia, Ray encounters a series of tragic events in his youth, including the traumatic loss of his younger brother and the onset of blindness at the tender age of seven. Despite these hardships, his mother instills in him the importance of independence and self-reliance. Determined to not be defined by his disability, Ray shows an early talent for music, a passion that becomes his lifeline and eventually his career path.

As an adult, Ray's musical career begins to take off as he travels across the southern United States, playing in various dive bars and honing his craft. His unique sound—a blend of gospel, jazz, and blues—starts to gain attention. As his fame grows, Ray struggles with the challenges of segregation in the South, the financial pressures of supporting his family, and the temptations of life on the road. Personal demons and the allure of drugs and women put his career and well-being in jeopardy. Still, his extraordinary musical talent and innovations continue to reshape the soundscape of American music, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon.