Remember how Jamie Foxx earned himself the covetous Oscar award as Best Actor? Yes, he claimed that prestige when he played Ray Charles in the movie ‘Ray’ which gained an astounding review from audiences and critics alike. For one, because Foxx did a great job; another, because IT IS the legendary Ray Charles’ turn let his story be captured on the big screen. Who wouldn’t know Ray Charles, who has a permanent mark in the music industry owing to his all-time great songs and skillful albums? Ray Charles brought to the music world hits such as his version of “Georgia on my Mind,” “I can See Cleary Now,” and “Hit the Road Jack,” among plenty others. He is also known for his celebrated concerts, like Ray Charles Live at Montreux, Ray Charles Live in Concert with the Edmonton Symphony, Ray Charles live in Brazil, and tribute concerts like Genius: A Night for Ray Charles where similar legends paid tribute including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and Al Green.

And today, he’s back to his hometown.

Albany, Georgia, Ray Charles’ hometown, recently revealed the rotating bronze statue of this music marvel last Friday, in the new city center plaza that carries his name. Family members attended the ceremony along with the hundreds of people who gathered in the plaza during the unveiling.

Ray Charles was born in the town of Albany in 1930. He and his mom resettled to Florida when he was at a young age, though he usually gives regular visits to Albany to see his family. The official state song of Georgia was Ray Charles’ version of “Georgia on my Mind.” It was made official in 1979, after 19 years when he first recorded the song.