What Is It?
While he had “Georgia on his mind,” Ray Charles spent most of his early years in
Greenville, Florida. Greenville celebrated its connection to the musician by designating his childhood home a landmark.
History
Charles spent his childhood in this house in Greenville before attending a school for vision- and hearing-impaired students in St. Augustine. In 2006, Greenville’s mayor, Elesta Pritchett—a childhood friend of Ray’s—led the effort to make the site a heritage landmark.
Perfect Pit Stop
Greenville is between Jacksonville and Pensacola, just east of Tallahassee on I-10. Take a break on trips by stopping to learn about the musical genius.
Tour the Home
The city offers opportunities to see the interior of the home. To plan a tour and get up-to-date information, call Greenville City Hall at 850-948-2251.
More Charles in the Area
About a half-mile from the home is a Ray Charles memorial in Greenville’s Haffye Hays Park. The memorial consists of a plaque and a bronze statue of Charles joyfully playing the piano.
More Information
For more information on home tours or the town of Greenville, visit mygreenvillefl.com or call 850-948-2251.