21 Most Talented & Famous Blind Singers of All Time

Throughout history, numerous blind singers have left an indelible mark on the music industry, showcasing their exceptional talents and overcoming significant obstacles. These artists have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective genres but have also inspired millions with their resilience and dedication.

From the soulful melodies of Stevie Wonder to the groundbreaking innovations of Ray Charles, these musicians have redefined the boundaries of music and performance.

This article explores the lives and careers of some of the most famous blind singers, highlighting their unique contributions to the world of music and the enduring legacies they have created.

21 Most Famous Blind Singers That Will Blow Your Mind

Here is a list of 21 famous blind singers:

#1 Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Morris in 1950, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has left an indelible mark on music. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown’s Tamla label at age 11, and his early hits as “Little Stevie Wonder” included “Fingertips.” He evolved into a master of various genres, from soul and funk to pop and jazz, creating timeless albums like “Songs in the Key of Life” and “Innervisions.”

His hits, including “Superstition,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” showcase his genius. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.

#2 Ray Charles

Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson in 1930, was a legendary American singer and pianist who profoundly influenced the development of soul music. Blinded by glaucoma at age seven, Charles overcame significant obstacles to become one of the most iconic figures in music.

His innovative blending of gospel, blues, and jazz laid the foundation for soul music, with classic hits like “What’d I Say,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Hit the Road Jack.” Charles’ emotive voice and piano skills earned him multiple Grammy Awards and the title “The Genius.” His impact extended beyond music, breaking racial barriers and becoming a symbol of artistic freedom and perseverance.

#3 Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli, born in 1958, is a world-renowned Italian tenor who has captivated audiences with his operatic and pop performances. Born with congenital glaucoma, Bocelli lost his sight completely at age 12 following a football accident.

Despite his blindness, he pursued a career in music, gaining international fame with his debut album “Il Mare Calmo della Sera” in 1994. Bocelli’s powerful and emotive voice has made him a crossover sensation, with hits like “Time to Say Goodbye” (a duet with Sarah Brightman) and “Con te partirò.” He has sold over 90 million records worldwide and is celebrated for his contributions to both classical and popular music.

#4 José Feliciano

José Feliciano, born in Puerto Rico in 1945, is a celebrated singer and guitarist known for his distinctive style and soulful voice. Blind from birth due to congenital glaucoma, Feliciano moved to New York City with his family, where he began playing music at a young age.

He gained fame in the 1960s with his innovative acoustic guitar performances and covers of popular songs, most notably “Light My Fire” by The Doors. Feliciano’s rendition of “Feliz Navidad” has become a Christmas classic. Over his career, he has received multiple Grammy Awards and is recognized for his contributions to Latin music and his pioneering work in blending genres.

#5 Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie Milsap, born in 1943 in North Carolina but raised in Georgia, is a highly successful country music singer and pianist. Born almost completely blind, Milsap overcame his disability to become one of the most influential country artists of the 1970s and 1980s.

He learned to play several instruments and studied classical music before transitioning to country. Milsap’s blend of country, pop, and R&B produced numerous hits, including “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Any Day Now,” and “It Was Almost Like a Song.” His smooth voice and versatile style earned him six Grammy Awards and numerous CMA and ACM awards, making him a significant figure in country music.

#6 Blind Lemon Jefferson

Blind Lemon Jefferson, born in Texas in 1893, was an influential blues singer and guitarist who played a crucial role in the development of the Texas blues style. Despite being blind from birth, Jefferson became one of the most popular blues musicians of the 1920s.

His unique singing style, intricate guitar work, and original compositions set him apart from his contemporaries. Jefferson’s recordings, including “Matchbox Blues” and “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,” are considered classics. His innovative approach to the blues has influenced countless musicians and his legacy as a pioneer of the genre remains significant in the history of American music.

#7 Jeff Healey

Jeff Healey, born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, was a remarkable blues and rock guitarist and singer known for his unique playing style. Blind due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, Healey developed a distinctive technique of playing the guitar flat on his lap. His breakthrough album, “See the Light” (1988), featured the hit single “Angel Eyes” and showcased his exceptional guitar skills and soulful voice.

Healey’s music blended blues, rock, and jazz, earning him international acclaim. Despite his early death in 2008, Healey’s innovative approach to guitar and his powerful performances left a lasting impact on the music world.

#8 Terri Gibbs

Terri Gibbs, born in Miami, Florida, in 1954, is a country music singer and pianist who achieved significant success in the early 1980s. Blind since birth, Gibbs showed musical talent from a young age and pursued a career in country music.

Her debut single, “Somebody’s Knockin’,” released in 1980, became a crossover hit, reaching the top of the country charts and earning her a Grammy nomination. Gibbs released several albums throughout the 1980s, blending country and pop influences. Her unique voice and inspirational story have made her a memorable figure in country music.

#9 George Shearing

George Shearing, born in London in 1919, was a British jazz pianist known for his contributions to bebop and swing. Blind from birth, Shearing began playing piano at a young age and developed a distinctive style that combined elements of swing, bebop, and classical music.

He moved to the United States in the 1940s and formed the George Shearing Quintet, which became famous for its “Shearing sound.” Hits like “Lullaby of Birdland” and “September in the Rain” showcased his innovative approach to jazz. Shearing’s career spanned over five decades, and he was honored with numerous awards, including a knighthood in 2007.

#10 Moondog (Louis Thomas Hardin)

Moondog, born Louis Thomas Hardin in 1916 in Kansas, was an American composer, musician, and poet known for his avant-garde compositions and eccentric persona. Blinded in a farming accident at the age of 16, Moondog moved to New York City, where he became a well-known figure on the streets, often dressed in Viking attire.

His music, which combined elements of classical, jazz, and Native American rhythms, gained him a cult following. Moondog’s compositions, such as “Bird’s Lament” and “Stamping Ground,” influenced numerous musicians. His innovative approach to music and unique style have left a lasting legacy in the world of avant-garde and experimental music.

#11 Clarence Carter

Clarence Carter, born in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1936, is a blues and soul singer known for his distinctive voice and storytelling ability. Blind since birth, Carter developed his musical talents at the Alabama School for the Blind. He gained fame in the 1960s with hits like “Slip Away” and “Patches,” the latter of which won him a Grammy Award.

Carter’s deep, emotive voice and ability to convey profound emotion in his songs have made him a beloved figure in blues and soul music. His career spans several decades, during which he has continued to perform and record, maintaining his influence in the music industry.

#12 Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Rahsaan Roland Kirk, born in 1935 in Columbus, Ohio, was a jazz multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative techniques and passionate performances. Blinded in infancy, Kirk became proficient in multiple instruments, including the saxophone, flute, and clarinet.

He was famous for his ability to play multiple instruments simultaneously, creating a unique and powerful sound. Kirk’s compositions, such as “The Inflated Tear” and “Serenade to a Cuckoo,” showcased his creativity and technical prowess. Despite facing numerous health challenges, Kirk remained a dynamic and influential figure in jazz until his death in 1977. His contributions to the genre continue to inspire musicians today.

#13 Lennie Tristano

Lennie Tristano, born in Chicago in 1919, was a groundbreaking jazz pianist and composer known for his contributions to the cool jazz movement. Blind from a young age, Tristano developed a highly individualistic style characterized by complex harmonies and intricate improvisations.

His work in the late 1940s and 1950s, including recordings like “Intuition” and “Line Up,” pushed the boundaries of jazz and influenced future generations of musicians. Tristano was also a respected teacher, mentoring notable jazz artists such as Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh. His innovative approach to jazz and his impact as an educator have left a lasting legacy in the music world.

#14 Doc Watson

Doc Watson, born Arthel Lane Watson in 1923 in Deep Gap, North Carolina, was an American folk, bluegrass, and country singer and guitarist known for his flatpicking style. Blinded by an eye infection before his first birthday, Watson became a masterful guitarist and a pivotal figure in the American folk music revival of the 1960s. His albums, including “Southbound” and “Tennessee Stud,” showcase his virtuosic playing and deep understanding of traditional American music.

Watson received multiple Grammy Awards and was honored with a National Medal of Arts. His influence on folk and bluegrass music is profound, and his recordings continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.

#15 Marcus Roberts

Marcus Roberts, born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1963, is a renowned jazz pianist known for his work in modern jazz and classical crossover genres. Blind since age five due to glaucoma and cataracts, Roberts developed a profound musical talent early in life.

He gained national attention as a member of Wynton Marsalis’s band in the 1980s. His solo career took off with critically acclaimed albums like “Deep in the Shed” and “Portraits in Blue.” Roberts is celebrated for his virtuosic playing, deep understanding of jazz traditions, and innovative interpretations of classical pieces. His work as an educator at Florida State University further cements his influence in the jazz world.

#16 Ken Medema

Ken Medema, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1943, is a Christian singer-songwriter and pianist known for his inspirational music. Blind from birth, Medema began playing the piano by ear at a young age, later formalizing his music education with a degree in music therapy.

His career spans over five decades, during which he has released numerous albums blending elements of folk, gospel, and contemporary Christian music. Medema’s powerful storytelling and ability to improvise on the spot during his performances have endeared him to audiences worldwide. His music often addresses themes of faith, hope, and social justice, making him a beloved figure in the Christian music community.

#17 Tom Sullivan

Tom Sullivan, born in 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts, is an American singer, actor, author, and motivational speaker known for his diverse talents and inspirational story. Blinded shortly after birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, Sullivan pursued a wide-ranging career in entertainment and advocacy. He gained fame as a singer with albums that include “If You Could See What I Hear,” and has also appeared on various television shows and in movies.

Sullivan is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on overcoming adversity. His best-selling autobiography, also titled “If You Could See What I Hear,” was adapted into a feature film, further highlighting his multifaceted career.

#18 Diana Schuur

Diana Schuur, born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1953, is a highly acclaimed jazz singer and pianist known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery. Blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, Schuur developed a passion for music at an early age.

Her breakthrough came in the 1980s with the album “Deedles,” which showcased her impressive vocal range and technical skill. Schuur has released numerous albums, winning two Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. She has collaborated with jazz legends like Stan Getz, B.B. King, and Ray Charles, cementing her reputation as one of the premier jazz vocalists of her generation.

#19 Art Tatum

Art Tatum, born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1909, was a virtuoso jazz pianist renowned for his incredible technical skill and innovative improvisations. Legally blind from childhood due to cataracts, Tatum developed a phenomenal technique that left an indelible mark on jazz piano.

His extraordinary speed, complex harmonies, and creative reworkings of popular tunes set new standards for jazz musicians. Tatum’s influence is evident in his recordings, such as “Tiger Rag” and “Tea for Two,” which remain benchmarks of jazz piano artistry. Despite his relatively short life, passing away at age 47, Tatum’s legacy as one of the greatest jazz pianists continues to inspire musicians.

#20 Blind Willie Johnson

Blind Willie Johnson, born in Texas in 1897, was an influential gospel blues singer and guitarist. Blinded in his youth, Johnson became a street performer and preacher, using his powerful voice and slide guitar skills to convey deeply spiritual and emotional music.

His recordings from the late 1920s, including “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” and “Motherless Children,” are considered masterpieces of gospel blues. Johnson’s music, characterized by its raw intensity and profound faith, has influenced countless artists across genres. Despite his hardships and early death in 1945, his legacy endures through his timeless recordings and their impact on American music.

#21 Blind Willie McTell

Blind Willie McTell, born in Georgia in 1898, was an American blues singer and guitarist known for his distinctive fingerpicking style and wide repertoire. Despite losing his sight in childhood, McTell became a proficient musician, mastering both the six-string and twelve-string guitar.

His recordings from the 1920s to the 1950s, such as “Statesboro Blues” and “Broke Down Engine,” showcase his technical skill and lyrical storytelling. McTell’s ability to blend country blues, ragtime, and gospel made him a versatile and influential artist. His work has been covered by numerous musicians, including The Allman Brothers Band, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the history of blues music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is known for the iconic Christmas song “Feliz Navidad” and is also a blind singer?

José Feliciano, a Puerto Rican singer and guitarist, is renowned for his timeless Christmas hit “Feliz Navidad.” Blind from birth, Feliciano has had a successful career blending Latin music with pop and rock.

Which blind jazz pianist is celebrated for his extraordinary technical skill and innovative improvisations?

Art Tatum is celebrated as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, known for his incredible technical prowess and innovative improvisations. Despite being legally blind, his recordings, such as “Tiger Rag,” set new standards for jazz piano.

Which blind country singer had a crossover hit with the song “Somebody’s Knockin'” in the 1980s?

Terri Gibbs is a blind country music singer who achieved significant success in the early 1980s with her crossover hit “Somebody’s Knockin’.” Her unique voice and inspirational story have made her a memorable figure in country music.

Which blind blues singer and guitarist is known for the song “Statesboro Blues”?

Blind Willie McTell, an influential blues singer and guitarist, is best known for his song “Statesboro Blues.” Despite his blindness, McTell mastered both six-string and twelve-string guitar, becoming a pivotal figure in blues music.