quote: thebostonchannel.com

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A spokesman says music legend Ray Charles has died. He was 73.

Spokesman Jerry Digney said Charles died today while surrounded by family and friends.

The Grammy-winning crooner blended gospel and blues in such crowd-pleasers as "What'd I Say" and heartfelt ballads like "Georgia on My Mind."

A gifted pianist and saxophonist, Charles explored many musical genres, including blues, country, jazz and big band. Among his classic hits were "Hit the Road Jack" and "I Can't Stop Loving You." He also gave different creative spins to "America the Beautiful" and "Makin' Whoopee."

He also collaborated on pop tunes, which included a piano/vocal duet, "Baby Grand," with Billy Joel, in 1986.

Charles was born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Ga., on Sept. 23, 1930. He lost his sight to glaucoma at age 7 and was orphaned at age 15.

Charles won nine of his 12 Grammy Awards between 1960 and 1966, including the best R&B recording three consecutive years.

He was also an original inductee of the Rock and Roll of Hall of Fame in 1986.

Last year nagging hip problems forced Charles to call off his first tour in 53 years. More than 30 other shows during Charles' career had to be called off because of his hips.

"It breaks my heart to withdraw from these shows," Charles said in a statement in August. "All my life, I've been touring and performing. It's what I do. But the doctors insist I stay put and mend for a while, so I'll heed their advice."

Charles' last public appearance was alongside Clint Eastwood on April 30, when the city of Los Angeles designated the singer's studios, built 40 years ago in central Los Angeles, as a historic landmark.

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-10-2004, 05:49 PM:
 
That's sad news. He was one-of-a-kind, certainly, and what funny bit he had in "The Blues Brothers". Classic.
 

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Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 06-10-2004, 06:13 PM:
 
Should add some value for some people who see "Ray" this holiday season.

Sad sad thing though...
 

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Posted by Rob Butler (Member # 2274) on 06-11-2004, 09:06 AM:
 
"Next stop, Melrose, I think" -Ray Charles playing a bus driver in Spy Hard
 

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Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 06-11-2004, 09:24 AM:
 
Ah Man...

He was a good guy...

RIP
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-11-2004, 10:35 AM:
 
Mr. Charles will be missed. Fortunately, his music and memory will live on forever. Who can forget his opening song for "In the Heat of the Night"? I also cherish seeing his wonderful live performance at ShoWest quite a few years ago.
 

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Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 06-11-2004, 10:41 AM:
 
I lived in Albany, GA a decade ago --the small city where Ray Charles was born. Near downtown, along US-82, a large billboard next to the river had a large picture of Ray Charles as a promotion for Albany. However, in the couple years I lived there I'm not sure if Charles ever visited.

Lots of famous people come from small obscure cities and tiny towns, but typically stay located in a large city once they hit their stride. I didn't know Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, Johnny Bench made his boyhood home in Binger, Oklahoma. I only found out about the bit of trivia when designing a sign for Binger's High School. I was walking through the school to meet the principal to discuss the sign project and stopped next to a big trophy cabinet. It was filled with lots of Johnny Bench memorabilia. At first I couldn't even believe it. Bench is the guy that put that little town on the map. The same thing goes about Ray Charles; he's the most famous guy from Albany, GA. Lots of people there never knew him, but they'll all sure miss him.
 

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Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 06-11-2004, 10:53 AM:
 
I think that, in tribute to Ray Charles, everybody should go around wearing black Ray Ban glasses with dark lenses for a day!
 

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Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 06-11-2004, 11:20 AM:
 
Whoa! This is both shocking and sad. I didn't hear about this until my brother told me this morning. Seems like his death has been overshadowed by some rich white guy in a suit that kicked the bucket over a week ago. Not even so much as a mention in Yahoo News. (had to do a search) Unfortunate. I find this to be more of an impact than that other dude.

Mr. Charles was an amazing man. I have several blind friends, and it's truly amazing what they can accomplish. I would be completely lost in a world of darkness, yet these people seem to do more despite their handicap than most people who have use of all of their senses. It's a type of admiration for these individuals that has to be felt to be understood.

My friend Jim and his wife hang windchimes around the house so that they jingle when the fan blows by them. Seemed kind of odd to me until I closed my eyes, the breeze felt more natural, the sound of the chimes played a calming tune, and for a moment I felt like I was outside. Even little things, like installing metal awnings so they can hear the rain, or lining the path to the front door with gravel so they can hear when someone is approaching was like them telling their handicap to shove it, because they're going to adapt no matter what.

It is kind of odd when they pour drinks, though. Put the tip of your finger at the edge of the cup so you know when it's full. And forget asking for a pencil. "Hmmm. You know, we never thought to buy any!"

Mr. Charles will be missed. "A Legend" is an uderstatement. Think I'll go put on some Ray Charles records since everything on TV is pre-empted for that other dude.

=TMP=
 

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Posted by Dean Kollet (Member # 1789) on 06-11-2004, 11:24 AM:
 
Ray Charles will be missed, incredible musician and entertainer..
 

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Posted by Gerard S. Cohen (Member # 994) on 06-14-2004, 04:07 PM:
 
I only saw him once in person, but I'm glad my wife and I got to enjoy his singing at his Carnegie Hall concert.
 

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