Ray Charles died today........... :^(

[ThomasW]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/10/obit.ray.charles.ap/index.html

[Danbry39]

Yes, I heard the extremely sad news today. I think he was blind at something like seven years of age and an orphan at 16. I've always loved Ray and even think he was one of the greatest country singers we've ever had. My memory on this is faded, but I think that, in an interview, he once said that he'd rather remain blind, even if modern medical technology could restore his sight, because he had all the colors he needed to see in his mind. Don't quote me on that though as it is a memory from years ago.

[dave]

That is a HUGE loss to the music lovers of this world.
I honestly cannot say which one of his songs is my favorite
as there are so many to choose from.
R.I.P

[spiffnme]

[Bam!]

Sad to hear that......

[David Meek]

It's not just the loss of a talented artist. Ray Charles - at least from the many things I've seen - was ALWAYS positive, cheerful and moving forward. Those things will be missed sorely, and hey, we'll always have his music. . . .

Adios Charles.

[Jariten]

So sad!


A great man!
a Great Voice
Great Music...

[Gordon Moore]

he was one of the greatest country singers we've ever had.

I've always considered him a blues or gospel singer...not really country.

It's sad, 73 isn't overly old...too bad, I hear he was working on a new album.

[George Bellefontaine]

Yeah, 73 isn't that old, but I guess he had advanced liver disease. Georgia ! Georgia ! Man I can hear his voice singing that now.

[Danbry39]

George,

The new recording will be released in late summer. From what I heard, it is a series of duets with the likes of Gladys Knight, Elton John, Willie Nelson, and Diana Krall. I did hear that sometimes he'd come into the studio feeling that he just couldn't sing his best due to his illness. Still, it will be one I'll put on my list of CD's to consider just because a "not at his best" Ray Charles is vastly superior to the majority of what's out there.

[George Bellefontaine]

Keith, Thanks. I will be getting that cd for sure.

[Lex]

I'm glad he was apparently able to leave his mark on the music world one last time before leaving us. I may pick that one up myself.

RE the comments of country, gospel, blues, even jazz? He was at one time, all of those things. The sign of a great musician. One that doesn't rest doing one thing right. He strives for perfection in several genre's.

Though it's been a good while since I have seen him in anything, as I recall he had a great personality as well at least on stage.

Lex

[Danbry39]

Here's apparently the entire listing of what will be on the album. I will buy it now, especially with him doing a duet with Van Morrison, one of my all-time favorites:

1. Here We Go Again - Features Norah Jones

2. Sweet Potato Pie - Features James Taylor

3. You Don't Know Me - Features Diana Krall

4. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Features Elton John

5. Fever - Features Natalie Cole

6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Features Bonnie Raitt

7. It Was A Very Good Year - Features Willie Nelson

8. Hey Girl - Features Michael McDonald

9. Sinner's Prayer - Features B.B. King

10. Heaven Help Us All - Features Gladys Knight

11. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Features Johnny Mathis

12. Crazy Love - Features Van Morrison

[Azeke]

He will be sorely missed. My prayers are extended for him and his family.

God Bless,

Azeke

[gd]

Advice from the man himself: "Let's Go Get Stoned"

[spiffnme]

That's definately a must buy. I've been a fan of Brother Ray since I was about 12 years old.

[John Holmes]

A great lost to music and it's fans for sure.

This album sure looks to be a must own.

[NMyTree]

I know it's a bit late, but I have to say......that was a sad day. :cry:

I played my Ray Charles CDs for the rest of that day. I've been listening to his music since I was a kid and I still remember seeing him on televsion.....in the 70s.

Rest In Peace Ray.

Your music has always brought me to a great place.

[David Meek]

I was in the truck the other day and channel-flipped over to NPR. Just that moment, they cued up Georgia. Aaahhhhhh. . . .