Explore Disabilities: Music

Sign Language Rap Battle with Wiz Khalifa

Stevie Wonder is blind, but as an American singer-songwriter, he is credited as a pioneer and influencer across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz. As an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and child prodigy, he developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.

These musicians have become masters in inspiring others to follow their dreams. These 11 Musicians With A Disability That Prove There Are No Impediments To Rock.

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, pianist and alto saxophonist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Genius". Ray Charles lost his sight when he was about seven years old. Years later, doctors suggested that juvenile glaucoma had caused his blindness. Charles always maintained that his visual impairment never hindered his career in any way.

Beethoven began losing his hearing in his mid-20s, after already building a reputation as a musician and composer. The cause of his deafness remains a mystery, though modern analysis of his DNA revealed health issues including large amounts of lead in his system. Read The Whole Story of Beethoven’s Deafness.