Sheila Raye Charles provides a college lecture like no other.  The daughter of legendary singer Ray Charles shares her dramatic life story while encouraging students to overcome their difficulties and to not make her same mistakes.  Alternatively, Sheila can perform a full concert which highlights the vocal ability she inherited from her father.

Watch The Video!

Sheila’s story is a tumultuous one: sexual abuse as a child, imprisonment, a 15 year crack-cocaine addiction, custody loss of her five children and physical violence.  Compounding this was the fact she was a daughter of the legendary Ray Charles!  At 19, she defied her father and pursued music. Demonstrating her commitment and talent, her father eventually brought her into his studio and produced several songs. However, when her father stood at the height of his career, adored worldwide, Sheila was living the darkest hour of her life and headed to federal prison, a two-time loser.

 While her music career waned, she gathered a lifetime of experiences.  Sheila’s Behind the Shades message inspires audiences with her many stories and life challenges, her life as Ray Charles’s daughter and her personal growth through it all.  Sheila also performs a few songs as a part of this heart tugging performance.  

Travels From:

Twin Cities, MN

Available For:

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Awareness Week, Alumni Events, Banquets, Black History Month, Concerts, Fundraisers, Lecture Series, Parent's Weekend, Performing Arts.

Contact us to schedule Sheila Raye for your next event!   763-550-0513 or info@thebarryagency or

fill out a request form.