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Explore Disabilities: Music

 

Two photos of Stevie Wonder placed side by side.

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.

 

Psychodelic background with text reading, "The Diversity of Classic Rock."

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.

 

Photo of Ray Charles playing piano.

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. 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.

 

Sound of Metal

Academy award winning film following a professional drummer as he faces deafness.

Ray

Academy award winning biopic of Ray Charles.