Top 26 Most Popular Blind Singers of All Time
Music and art know no boundaries, be it race, nationality, music style or even blindness. Over the years, we have seen many talented and exceptional individuals who have overcome their difficulties to conquer the world through music.
Due to their blindness, these musicians might have lost one of their senses, but they did not let this cloud their talent and willpower. Most of these musicians are self-taught and proficient in multiple instruments as well as their voices.
They have created a unique touch of their own through their art and managed to carve a niche for themself. Entoin brought this list of talented blind singers and musicians to introduce more people to them and celebrate their triumph over difficulties.
Here is a list of singers and musicians who are blind and famous for their music. We have not ranked them in any particular order as they are already number one for their willpower and talent.
Without any more delay, here is the list of the top blind musicians and singers that we all need to listen to and appreciate.
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1. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Morris, is an influential American singer-songwriter known for his pioneering work in various genres such as rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz.
Despite being blind since early childhood, Wonder signed with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11, gaining fame as Little Stevie Wonder. He achieved significant success in the 1970s with albums like “Music of My Mind,” “Talking Book,” and “Songs in the Key of Life,” which won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year.
Wonder’s use of synthesisers and electronic instruments reshaped the conventions of R&B during that time. Throughout his career, he has sold over 100 million records, won 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist), and received accolades from various music halls of fame.
Wonder has also been involved in activism and humanitarian causes, including his campaign for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to become a federal holiday.
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2. Ray Charles
Ray Charles Robinson, known as Ray Charles, was an iconic and influential American singer, songwriter, pianist, and saxophonist. Blinded during childhood, he became one of the most celebrated musicians in history, often referred to as “The Genius” and “Brother Ray.” Charles pioneered the soul music genre in the 1950s, combining blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel into his recordings for Atlantic Records.
He further integrated country music, rhythm and blues, and pop during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records. Known for hits like “Georgia On My Mind,” he achieved multiple No. 1 hits and top-charting singles.
Charles received numerous awards and honours, including Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and recognition as one of the greatest artists and singers of all time.
His life was portrayed in the biopic “Ray,” with Jamie Foxx winning an Academy Award for his portrayal of Charles.
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3. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor known for his remarkable career and achievements. Born visually impaired due to congenital glaucoma, Bocelli became completely blind at the age of 12 following a brain haemorrhage caused by a football accident.
He signed his first recording contract with Sugar Music after performing in piano bars and winning the newcomer’s section of the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994. Bocelli has since recorded 15 solo studio albums, selling over 75 million records worldwide.
He has achieved crossover success, blending classical and pop music, and his album “Romanza” is one of the best-selling albums of all time. Notable achievements include holding the top three positions on the US Classical Albums charts simultaneously, receiving the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and being honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Although he has faced criticism from some classical music critics, Bocelli’s voice has been described as the most beautiful in the world by notable figures such as Celine Dion and David Foster.
4. José Feliciano
José Feliciano, a Puerto Rican musician, singer, and composer, achieved international success with his unique fusion of Latin, blues, jazz, soul, and rock music. Born blind due to congenital glaucoma, Feliciano displayed his musical talent from a young age, teaching himself to play the accordion at seven and mastering the guitar by age nine.
In the 1960s, he gained popularity in the United States, with his album “Feliciano!” reaching number 2 on the charts. He released over fifty albums in English and Spanish throughout his career.
Feliciano revolutionised the sound of bolero music, producing hits like “Poquita Fe” and “Usted.” His rendition of “Feliz Navidad” became a beloved Christmas song and a global sensation. He received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and recognition for his contributions to Christmas music.
Feliciano also acted in TV shows and movies and collaborated with renowned artists like Bill Withers, John Lennon, and Paul Simon.
5. Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer known for his soulful music. Born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1936, he attended the Alabama School for the Blind and Alabama State University, where he graduated with a degree in music.
Carter began his music career in a duo with Calvin Scott, but after Scott’s accident, he pursued a solo career and signed with the Fame label. He joined Atlantic Records in 1967 and achieved success with hits like “Slip Away” and “Too Weak To Fight.” In 1970, his version of “Patches” became his biggest hit and won a Grammy Award.
Despite some ups and downs in his career, Carter continued to release albums and perform, finding new audiences with songs like “Strokin'” in the 1980s and 1990s. He remains active in the music industry, recording and touring regularly.
6. Ginny Owens
Virginia Leigh Owens, also known as Ginny Owens, is an American singer, songwriter, author, and speaker. Despite being blind since the age of three, Owens has made significant contributions to the music industry.
She gained recognition for her Contemporary Christian music and had several albums chart on the Billboard charts in the 2000s. Owens began her career by writing songs for Michael Puryear’s Final Four Publishing and eventually signed with Rocketown Records.
Her music has been featured on popular TV shows, and she has received three Dove awards, including New Artist of the Year. Owens is also known for her philanthropic work, founding the Fingerprint Initiative and collaborating with organisations like Compassion International and Habitat for Humanity.
She has released books, including “Transcending Mysteries: Who Is God and What Does He Want From Us?” and “Singing in the Dark,” and has served as an adjunct professor at Belmont University.
Owens continues to inspire others with her talent and uplifting message.
7. Ronnie Milsap
Ronnie Lee Milsap is an influential American country music singer and pianist known for his crossover appeal in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being nearly completely blind from birth, Milsap achieved great success in both the country and pop music markets.
His hits incorporated elements of pop, R&B, and rock and roll, making him a versatile performer. He received recognition for songs like “It Was Almost Like a Song,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” and “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.” Milsap earned six Grammy Awards and scored 35 number-one country hits, solidifying his place in music history.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Milsap’s remarkable journey began in poverty in North Carolina, where his love for music developed, and he overcame numerous challenges to become a celebrated figure in the industry.
8. Blind Lemon Jefferson
Blind Lemon Jefferson, born Lemon Henry Jefferson, was a renowned American blues and gospel singer-songwriter and musician. Active during the 1920s, he was hailed as the “Father of the Texas Blues” and became one of the era’s most popular blues singers.
Jefferson’s distinctive performances were characterised by his high-pitched voice and unique guitar-playing style. Although his recordings sold well, he didn’t have a significant influence on younger blues singers of his time.
However, his impact was felt among later blues and rock and roll musicians who sought to imitate his songs and musical style. Born blind in Texas, Jefferson overcame challenges and achieved success as a solo guitarist and male vocalist in the commercial recording industry.
His tracks, including “Long Lonesome Blues” and “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,” showcased his musical talent and storytelling prowess, making him a pioneering figure in blues music.
9. Gilbert Montagné
Gilbert Montagné is a French singer, musician, pianist, and organist known for his successful music career despite being blind shortly after birth. His international hit “The Fool” topped the charts in Europe and South America in 1971, and he achieved further success with songs like “On va s’aimer” (1983) and “Les Sunlights des tropiques” (1984).
In France, he remains a popular artist, having collaborated with renowned musicians such as Johnny Hallyday and Kool & the Gang. Montagné has received prestigious honours, including being made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, an Officer in the National Order of Merit, and an Officer in the Order of the Legion of Honour.
He has been active in politics and has advocated for the rights of blind people. Montagné has released several successful albums, including “LIBERTE” and “RIEN QU’UNE AMITIE,” and has performed at notable venues worldwide, such as the Paris Olympia.
10. Al Hibbler
Albert George Hibbler, known as Al Hibbler, was an American baritone vocalist who had a successful career as a solo artist after singing with Duke Ellington’s orchestra. Born blind in Tyro, Mississippi, Hibbler moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he attended the Arkansas School for the Blind and joined the school choir.
He joined Jay McShann’s band in 1942 and then became a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra in 1943, where he gained recognition for his interpretations of popular songs. Hibbler left Ellington’s band in 1951 and went on to record with various bands and labels, including Mercury and Decca Records.
His biggest hit was “Unchained Melody,” which reached #3 on the US pop chart and sold over one million copies. Other notable hits include “He,” “11th Hour Melody,” and “After the Lights Go Down Low.”
11. M. Chandrasekaran
Mohanan Chandrasekaran, a renowned Carnatic classical violinist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, has had a remarkable career in the field of music. Born in Calcutta in 1937, Chandrasekaran began playing the violin at the age of 11 and went on to accompany numerous eminent musicians in the realm of Carnatic music.
Despite losing his eyesight at a young age, he overcame this challenge through his devotion to music. Known for his expertise in the laya (tempo) aspects and his ability to adapt to intricate rhythmic patterns, Chandrasekaran has a deep understanding of the melody and emotion of the music he plays.
He performs solo violin recitals as well as vocal concerts. He has composed music in various languages. He frequently collaborates with his daughter, G. Bharathi, in violin duet concerts. Chandrasekaran’s contributions and performances have garnered him accolades, including the Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award from the Madras Music Academy in 2005.
12. Blind Blake
Blind Blake (real name Arthur Blake) was an American blues and ragtime singer and guitarist. He is known for recordings he made for Paramount Records between 1926 and 1932.
Blake was born in 1896 and lost his sight at a young age, but he learned to play the guitar and sing. He began his career playing on the streets and in clubs, and he eventually made his way to Chicago, where he was discovered by a Paramount Records talent scout.
Blake recorded over 80 songs for Paramount Records, and he quickly became one of the most popular blues artists of his time. His music was a unique blend of blues, ragtime, and jazz, and he was known for his dazzling guitar playing and his soulful vocals.
Some of Blake’s most popular songs include “Early Morning Blues,” “Blind Blake’s Rag,” and “Yodeling Blues.” His music has been covered by many other artists, including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Bob Dylan.
13. Blind Willie McTell
Blind Willie McTell (real name William Samuel McTier) was an American Piedmont blues and ragtime singer and guitarist. He was born in Thomson, Georgia, in 1898, and lost his sight at a young age. He learned to play the guitar and sing at a young age as well, and began his career playing on the streets and in clubs.
McTell was known for his fluid, syncopated fingerstyle guitar technique and his smooth, expressive vocals. He was also a gifted songwriter, and many of his songs have become classics of the blues genre. Some of his most popular songs include “Statesboro Blues,” “Broke Down Engine Blues,” and “No More Auction Block.”
McTell recorded over 120 songs for various record labels in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1940s and 1950s, McTell’s career began to decline. He struggled with alcoholism and health problems, and he was no longer able to record or tour as frequently as he had in the past. He is considered to be one of the greatest blues musicians of all time, and his music continues to be enjoyed and studied by musicians and fans alike.
14. Diane Schuur
Diane Schuur, also known as “Deedles,” is a renowned American jazz singer and pianist. With a career spanning several decades, Schuur has released 23 albums, showcasing her versatile musical style.
She incorporates elements of jazz, Latin, gospel, pop, and country into her music. Her most successful album, “Diane Schuur & the Count Basie Orchestra,” topped the Billboard Jazz Charts for an impressive 33 weeks.
She was honoured with Grammy Awards for Best Female Jazz Vocal Performance in 1986 and 1987 and has received three additional Grammy nominations. Schuur has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the White House, collaborating with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Wonder.
Despite being blind since birth, Schuur possesses perfect pitch and a distinct vocal tone. She has been recognized for her contributions and received the Helen Keller Achievement Award in 2000 from the American Foundation for the Blind.
Schuur’s remarkable career and willingness to explore various genres have solidified her status as an influential figure in the world of jazz music.
15. Terri Gibbs
Terri Gibbs is an American country music artist who achieved success in the 1980s. Despite being blind, she recorded eleven studio albums between 1980 and 2017. Her debut single, “Somebody’s Knockin’,” reached No. 8 on the country charts, No. 13 on the pop charts, and No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary charts.
Gibbs had several other country charts hits, including “Rich Man,” “Mis’ry River,” “Ashes to Ashes,” and “Anybody Else’s Heart but Mine.” She received accolades, including the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist Award and the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award.
Gibbs also ventured into Contemporary Christian music, earning a Grammy nomination for her album “Turn Around.” Throughout her career, she showcased her vocal talents and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
16. Jeff Healey
Jeff Healey was a Canadian musician known for his blues, rock, and jazz talents. Despite losing his sight at a young age, Healey became a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
In the 1980s and 1990s, he achieved chart success with hits like “Angel Eyes,” “I Think I Love You Too Much,” and “How Long Can a Man Be Strong.” He formed the Jeff Healey Band and gained recognition through live performances and the release of their album “See the Light.” Healey’s unique guitar playing style with the instrument flat on his lap captivated audiences.
He also appeared in the film “Road House” and collaborated with notable artists like George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Throughout his career, he toured internationally, owned a club, and supported emerging musicians.
Healey’s musical legacy continues, and his album “Mess of Blues” posthumously received critical acclaim.
17. Raul Midón
Raul Midón is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his impressive music career. Midón and his twin brother became blind as infants due to inadequate eye protection in an incubator.
At the age of four, his father introduced him to the drums. He later learned to play the guitar while attending a school for the blind. Midón started his professional journey as a session singer for Latin recording artists.
He collaborated with producer and DJ Little Louie Vega and released songs under the band name Elements of Life. Midón’s talent caught the attention of Arif Mardin, who produced his debut album, “State of Mind,” in 2005.
Throughout his career, Midón has worked with renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, and Herbie Hancock. He has released several albums, including “A World Within a World” (2007), “Synthesis” (2009), and “Don’t Hesitate” (2014).
His music has been featured in films, and he has received Grammy nominations for his albums “Bad Ass And Blind” (2017) and “If You Really Want” (2018), the latter being a collaboration with the Metropole Orkest.
18. Blind Willie Johnson
Blind Willie Johnson was an influential American gospel blues singer, guitarist, and evangelist. His recordings between 1927 and 1930 showcased his powerful singing, slide guitar skills, and originality, influencing generations of musicians.
Despite modest financial success, Johnson’s music gained renewed interest in the 1960s, with his inclusion in Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music and the efforts of Reverend Gary Davis.
Considered a dominant player of “holy blues,” Johnson’s work became more accessible through compilation albums. His slide guitar playing on the hymn “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” is highly acclaimed.
Johnson’s notable songs include “Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed,” “It’s Nobody’s Fault but Mine,” and “John the Revelator.” His life was poorly documented, and he stopped recording after his fifth session in 1930.
Despite limited commercial success, Blind Willie Johnson is recognized as one of the most influential blues practitioners.
19. Doc Watson
Doc Watson was a highly regarded American guitarist, songwriter, and singer known for his mastery of various genres, including bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music. He received seven Grammy awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions.
Despite being blind from a young age, Watson performed both solo and with his son, Merle Watson, for over 15 years. He drew inspiration from country roots musicians like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Watson’s career took off when he transitioned to acoustic guitar and banjo, playing on his first recording in 1960. His breakthrough came at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963. Known for his fast and flashy bluegrass lead guitar style, he influenced many guitarists, including Clarence White and Tony Rice.
Watson was also a skilled banjo player. He had a rich baritone voice, making him a respected figure in the folk music revival.
20. Rod Clemmons
Rod Clemmons, born blind in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, discovered his passion for music at a young age. Gifted with a musical family, he received piano lessons from a university faculty member.
He furthered his education at the Arkansas School for the Blind and later attended the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. There, he met Isiah Sanders, a keyboard player who played for Stevie Wonder and received valuable guidance.
After graduating with honours, Clemmons pursued a career as a singer, songwriter, keyboard player, and producer in Louisville, Kentucky. He achieved success with his song “Trust My Love” receiving extensive airplay on local R&B stations.
Relocating to New York City, Clemmons became a sought-after session player, vocal coach, and background vocalist. He formed his independent production company and record label, Verdict Records, producing various genres of music.
Clemmons released his debut R&B album, “What’s Up? It’s Me,” in September 2011, inspired by his mother’s encouragement.
21. Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts is an accomplished American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and teacher. Despite being blind since the age of five, Roberts displayed an extraordinary talent for playing the piano from a young age.
In the 1980s, he joined Wynton Marsalis’s band, showcasing his traditional jazz style influenced by ragtime and stride piano. He has released albums covering the works of jazz legends like Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, and Fats Waller.
Roberts has also ventured into classical music, composing his first piano concerto commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Savannah Music Festival. He founded The Modern Jazz Generation, a band consisting of musicians spanning different generations.
Roberts has been recognized for his contributions to music and society, receiving an honorary doctorate from Brigham Young University. He has served as an associate artistic director and faculty member at various institutions, including the Savannah Music Festival and Florida State University.
22. Sonny Terry
Sonny Terry was an influential American blues and folk musician known for his vibrant harmonica playing style. Born in Greensboro, Georgia, Terry learned to play the blues harp from his father and developed a unique approach that incorporated vocalisations and imitations of various sounds.
Despite losing his sight at a young age, Terry pursued a music career and formed a successful partnership with Brownie McGhee. Together, they recorded numerous songs and gained popularity during the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s.
Terry’s notable achievements include performing at Carnegie Hall in 1938 and recording for the Library of Congress. He also appeared in Broadway musicals and films like “Finian’s Rainbow,” “The Jerk,” and “The Color Purple.” Terry received the National Heritage Fellowship and was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986.
23. Art Tatum
Arthur Tatum Jr., known as Art Tatum, was an exceptional American jazz pianist celebrated as one of the greatest in history. Renowned for his extraordinary technical abilities, Tatum expanded the boundaries of jazz piano and showcased innovation through reharmonization, voicing, and bitonality.
Beginning his career in Toledo, Ohio, Tatum gained recognition for his talent while still a teenager, with a radio program and professional performances. He later established residencies as a solo pianist in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Tatum’s improvisations in after-hours venues, accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol, were considered particularly inspiring. In the 1940s, he briefly led a successful trio and performed at jazz concerts produced by Norman Granz.
Despite a decline in popularity towards the end of the decade due to his deviation from bebop, Tatum continued to play in his distinct style. He recorded extensively in the 1950s before passing away at the age of 47.
Tatum’s musical career was marked by impaired vision and blindness, yet he displayed immense skill and enjoyed playing cards and pool. His contributions to jazz earned him a revered status, with recordings like “Tea for Two” and “Wee Baby Blues” recognized for their brilliance.
24. Blind Alfred Reed
Blind Alfred Reed, a blind American folk, country, and old-time musician, made significant contributions to music in the 1920s. He gained recognition through his participation in the historic Bristol Sessions alongside renowned artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family.
Accompanied by his son Arville on guitar, Reed showcased his talent on the fiddle. His notable songs include “The Wreck of the Virginian” and “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” The latter has been covered by various artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Ry Cooder.
Despite his blindness, Reed composed his own lyrics, often blending conservatism with a humorous touch. Alongside his musical pursuits, he served as a lay preacher in the Methodist church. Reed’s contributions were recognized posthumously with his induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and the inclusion of “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live” in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
25. Nobuyuki Tsujii
Nobuyuki Tsujii, a Japanese pianist and composer, has achieved remarkable success despite being blind due to microphthalmia. He has gained recognition for his extensive performances with various conductors and orchestras, receiving critical acclaim for his unique approach to learning and performing music without sight.
Tsujii made a significant impact in the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, where he tied for the gold medal and received the Beverley Taylor Smith Award for the best performance of new work.
As a composer, he began showcasing his talents at a young age and has released multiple albums featuring his own compositions. Tsujii’s accomplishments include debuting at Carnegie Hall in 2011 and performing at the BBC Proms in 2013.
His life has been documented in films such as “A Surprise in Texas” and “Touching the Sound.” Tsujii’s excellence in music was further recognized when he won the 1st Prize at the InterArtia 2015 international competition.
26. Louis Thomas Hardin, aka “Moondog”
Moondog, born Louis Thomas Hardin, was an influential American composer, musician, poet, and inventor. Despite losing his sight at the age of 16, he became a renowned figure in the music world.
Moondog’s compositions were eclectic, drawing inspiration from jazz, classical, Native American, and Latin American music. His rhythmic and contrapuntal style of music influenced minimal music composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
He gained recognition as “the Viking of Sixth Avenue” while busking and performing poetry on the streets of New York City. Moondog’s compositions incorporated elements of various genres, including bebop, swing, rumba, modernism, and Renaissance music.
He also incorporated city sounds and developed innovative musical instruments such as the Trimba. Moondog’s unique approach to music and his captivating persona left a lasting impact on the music industry.
