RIP Ray Charles


A sad passing of one of the GREATS. Can we start a petition to have his version of "America" instituted as our National Anthem?
4yanx
I'll sign that petition. Also how about having a state funeral for Ray, instead of Ronald "Rayguns"?
I saw Ray about 5 years ago in a little place, he was just plain fantastic. Love ya Ray!!
I bought so many of his LP's I've lost count. I began collecting his music in the early 1960's.

Ray had a wonderful voice and was a great piano player. He's an important part of the American music scene and will be remembered long after his passing. I loved him and will miss him.
Many great representatives of American popular music have passed away in recent years, but none meant more to me than Ray Charles. I can't imagine anyone who represents American music more completely than Ray. But he was no mere cataloger or chronicler; he was a deeply original creator and interpreter. From his big band sounds to his incredibly tasty jazz piano licks to swinging C&W to hard-rockin' R&B to spiritual and gospel to super-fine duets with the likes of Betty Carter and Cleo Laine, and to lush, beautiful pop -- the landscape of great music he created from his bottomless well of soul truly swept from sea to shining sea. Our concepts of high fidelity become totally irrelevant to me when I consider the profound impact Ray Charles has had on my listening experiences. Without exaggeration, a giant.