Obit: Ray Charles RIP - June 4, 2004

Subject: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 03:45 PM

Sorry to report that the great Ray Charles lost his long battle with cancer and died here in L.A. this morning at 11:30 a.m.

Mary Katherine

Subject: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: jeffp
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 03:53 PM

I just got an email from CNN announcing that Ray Charles has died at the age of 73.

Here is the text of the story currently on CNN.com:

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) -- Ray Charles, the Grammy-winning crooner who blended gospel and blues in such crowd-pleasers as "What'd I Say" and heartfelt ballads like "Georgia on My Mind," died Thursday, a spokesman said. He was 73.

Charles died at his Beverly Hills home surrounded by family and friends, said spokesman Jerry Digney.

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.

Blind by age 7 and an orphan at 15, Charles spent his life shattering any notion of musical boundaries and defying easy definition. A gifted pianist and saxophonist, he dabbled in country, jazz, big band and blues, and put his stamp on it all with a deep, warm voice roughened by heartbreak from a hardscrabble childhood in the segregated South.

"His sound was stunning -- it was the blues, it was R&B, it was gospel, it was swing -- it was all the stuff I was listening to before that but rolled into one amazing, soulful thing," singer Van Morrison told Rolling Stone magazine in April.

Charles won nine of his 12 Grammy Awards between 1960 and 1966, including the best R&B recording three consecutive years ("Hit the Road Jack," "I Can't Stop Loving You" and "Busted").

His versions of other songs are also well known, including "Makin' Whoopee" and a stirring "America the Beautiful." Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote "Georgia on My Mind" in 1931 but it didn't become Georgia's official state song until 1979, long after Charles turned it into an American standard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 03:57 PM

Oh, man. He's gonna be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 03:59 PM

Another great gone. Thanks for the report.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:02 PM

Yeah, but just think, now he's with Rick. Rick may not even notice when we all get up there, but he will sure have gotten way ahead of us on skills, again!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Gern
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:15 PM

Man, I'll climb right on board this wagon. All that stuff they're saying about Reagan these days (changed the world, measureless legacy) if actually true about Ray Charles. Simply the most influential vocalist of his generation, I'd say, and one who lived long enough to sing "Georgia on my Mind" on the floor of the long-racist Georgia Legislature. Ray legitimatized "soul singing" and vocal improvisations that are standard practice today. His versatility covered a wide berth of popular music rhythm and blues, country ballads and tasty jazz piano. His version of "That Lucky Old Sun" is still one of the most moving performances I've heard. Damn, I'm sorry we lost him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Amos
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:18 PM

Awwwwww MAANNNNN!!! Dammmmn!

I can only hope that Ray and Rick put their heads together and plot the next Great Folk Scare......


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Peace
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:19 PM

Rest well, Mr Charles. You were a giant amongst musicians, and the public liked ya, too. This man's death diminishes me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:20 PM

So long Ray, Thanks for the music! Now there's the guy that should be lying in state. Irish Sergeant

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:21 PM

He married gospel and r'n'b and created soul - a major figure in western popular music. He was a great singer, too. Most of his glory days lay in the late 50s and early 60s and it is there where his music made such a great impact. He will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Nerd
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:25 PM

Sorry to hear he's hit the road...what a great force in popular music!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:25 PM

So long, Ray. You set the standard for "cool" against which everyone else was measured. You were a true artist whose music transcended the pigeonholing and typecasting that the music industry imposes upon lesser performers. Rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: pdq
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:36 PM

His version of Don Gibson's "I Can't Stop Loving You" gave a huge boost to Country Music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Once Famous
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:38 PM

What's amazing about Ray Charles is the fact that he was also well known as a country singer.

I believe it was in the late 50s or early 60s that he had two very well known albums of tradional country material done in his very soulful style. He's worked with willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and others.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:42 PM

Now we can have a REAL National Day of Mourning.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:44 PM

Damn! RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:45 PM

Yes. Now I finally feel sad. And the flags are at half staff for him. I will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:46 PM

Aw well hell.......Yeah Jim......This is a real day for mourning.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 04:53 PM

Agreed, Ebbie. He was a talented and charming man. Easy to sing along with.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:02 PM

I'm sad to hear the news. He was reported as frail recently but I really thought he was indestructible. I have just about all his Atlantic recordings and quite a few of his HMV things. I 'll be playing a lot of them at the weekend. RIP Mr. C. You really were the High Priest and I'm so glad I saw you on your 1969 tour of the UK.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Blackcatter
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:07 PM

All I got to say is "Reagan who?"

Ray Charles - one of thge truly cool persons of the 20th Century.

Completely crossed the color lines.

Explored tons of differnet types of music.

High energy combimed with seroius spirituality.

Baby, that's what he says.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:07 PM

His peers referred to him as "The Genius". It was warranted. I was just starting to think of a few of my favourite songs, but realized it would be tough to stop once I started.

Rest in Peace Ray.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: open mike
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:31 PM

I regret to inform you that one of the greatest American musicians of the decade, Mr. Ray Charles, passed away today in Beverley Hills, CA at the age of 73. RIP Brother Ray....
i got this message in my e-mail just now...
i remember seeing him recently on the PBS piano jazz special..
a great one to the end!!
my brother-in-law who was a d.j. in south africa was able to help arrange a tour for Ray in south africa years ago. he was glad to
be able to do so and proudly remembered those times. the obit is here on CNN http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/10/obit.charles/

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: mike the knife
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:33 PM

2 of my faves:
Seven Spanish Angels & It Ain't Easy Being Green.
just marvelous stuff.
Ray, you'll be missed. Godspeed.
Indeed, this is the one of the two "recently departed" that truly deserves a national Day of Mourning.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Alba
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 05:39 PM

Oh no. This is indeed very sad News.
I admired him so much as a Musician and as a Human being. His Music was played a lot in my Parent's Home when I was growing up and I brought him with with me to my Home. That's a lot of Years of playing Ray Charles. A Lifetime of Music and memories.
Rest Peacefully Mr.Charles and Thank you.
Sadly,
Jude

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST,AR282
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 06:14 PM

I remember as a kid seeing him on tv doing "Georgia On My Mind" in this slow, dreamy, bluesy way with his piano and a string section. It really touched me. Put a quieting spell on me. I'll always remember that. It made me realize the power in music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 06:35 PM

The one I first remember him for was "take these chains from my heart and set me free". I guess he is, now...

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 06:39 PM

Lordy, but God's got a helluva group up there....

Nobody is gonna fill THEM shoes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Mark Ross
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 06:52 PM

Back in 1986 I was touring with Utah Phillips as his guitar player(his right thumb ceased working about then). We were on a flight from Spokane to Portland to play the World Music Festival, and the only other passengers on the plane were Brother Ray and the fellow who was leading him around. I turned to Utah and said, "You know if this damn thing goes down we won't make the 3rd paragraph in the paper". It got real interesting when they let Ray take over the controls, though. Seriously though, a fine musician and singer who will be sadly missed. As for the hoopla about Ronnie, well, when they told me he was dead, my first reaction was, "How can they tell?"
My how times change. Dorothy Parker said that about Calvin Coolidge.
Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Amergin
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 07:34 PM

jesus...at least we know a great man will be going to heaven...while reagan burns in hell...

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: open mike
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 08:57 PM

Great story Mark, I hear Utah has had surgery on his hand recently.
As for Ronald, I think those were were inclined to miss him should
have started doing so a long time ago!! Nice chimp, though.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Brían
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 11:25 PM

Ya know, sometimes I don't know if I love Irish music or Soul more. Ray Charles fills some of my early memories, Gergia on My Mind, Outskirts of Town. I have worn the grooves of a couple copies of his Greatest Hits mending a broken heart, I am really grateful I did get a chance to see him in Portland, Maine about 2 years ago.

Brían

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST,Chip2447
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 12:04 AM

So long Ray. Rest easy, rest well...

Pax.
Chip2447

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: alanabit
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 01:18 AM

I think you had to be a little older than me and possibly American to appreciate him fully. I saw a fine musician, a fine singer and a man with a great sense of humour. That is reason enough to celebrate his life.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: M.Ted
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 01:35 AM

"Modern Sounds in Country Music" was always a favorite album of mine--his secret, to the degree that he had a secret, was that early on, he made sure that he always controlled the recording sessions--no one ever told him what to play, or how to play it--

Many years ago, I worked with a couple who had recently left his vocal group, "The Ray Charles Singers"--they said that he always demanded that they rehearse everything full out--if anyone held back, they heard about it immediately--

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: dianavan
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 02:52 AM

Good-bye to a truly great musician. You made people sit up and listen. You were a leader. You knew that you had to give it your all. Thanks Ray, for showing us what greatness is really all about. Thanks for all that dreamy music that gave me so much comfort.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:45 AM

I read his Biography a few years back. He was an amazing man. There is a lot of discussion about how well he coped despite being blind. Foot races with band members etc. I said that I couldn't pick one or two Ray songs as favourites, but his duet with Willie on Seven Spanish Angels would be included on any list I would come up with.

Ray played his voice like a Saxophone. The things that I like in music are feel and tone. Brother Ray had both in spades.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 06:52 AM

A truly unique man who knew no musical bounds, the world is a lesser place now.
eric

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Escamillo
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:19 AM

We at Buenos Aires, so far from Ray's home, will miss him deeply. Goodbye Ray Charles, we love you.

Andrés

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:39 AM

sadly missed a grat music man/singer.

As the song goes I can't stop loving you

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Crowhugger
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 09:02 AM

A terrible loss indeed. RIP...and godspeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 09:40 PM

His songs will live on, but a great loss to many.RIP. Richard.UK.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Genie
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 12:07 PM

I have pretty much taken a break from TV for the past two weeks, the last week being because of the 24/7 deification of Ronald Reagan, so I really DK how much coverage TV has given to this REAL loss. (The world had lost Ronald Reagan to Alzheimer's years before his physical demise.)

I really hope that the passing of a true genius and a real giant of American music and culture is not long overshadowed by the excesses of this last week of political camgaigning in the guise of "respect for a fallen leader."

Subject: Obit: Ray Charles
From: michaelr
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 10:49 PM

Passed away from liver disease at age 73. Said to have fused R&B with gospel, thereby creating what we know as soul music. Cited as major influence by dozens of recording artists, from Willie Nelson to Brian Wilson, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt.

Here's the CBS News article.

Another legend gone.
Michael


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Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Hrothgar
Date: 14 Jun 04 - 06:48 AM

Listening to the ABC playing an hour of his stuff now. Great ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: GUEST,The Burren Ranger
Date: 14 Jun 04 - 01:49 PM

I lstened last night to Ray Charles's 'Droiwn In MY Own Tears' , Live from Hearndon Stadium. Georgia 1959.If there is a more moving soul recording from the 20th century, I would like to hear it.
Rest easy Ray,
tbr

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Genie
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:42 AM

"Chris gonna faaaahhhnnd Ray Charles!!"
(Flip Wilson as Queen Isabella on why she was funding Christopher Columbus's expedition to the New World.)

Hrothgar, I'm bummed that I had to miss the ABC tribute. I sure hope there will be more to come.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From: Kaleea
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 12:39 AM

OK, so here's my ray Charles story: When I was a little kid I listened to Ray Charles records all the time & loed him dearly. When it was announced that Mr. Charles would be performing at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre I wanted to go--as we lived in a Denver burb then. Of course since I was only about 7 at the time, I didn't go, but lay awake till the wee hours thinking of missing hearing/seeing him live & in person! The next day my mother read outloud the newspaper article telling about some audience members threw beer bottles, cans, rocks & booed & jeered. I was dumbfounded, did not understand, & cried wondering why anyone would be so hateful to a great musician--someone whom I loved so much. Fastforward to my college days. The univ was having the annual Jazz fest & The One & Only Mr. Ray Charles was performing. The crowd of folks young & old cheered & jumped to their feet in ovation before he even made it to the piano! My women's Music fraternity (yep, that's correct) chose myself & another gal to give him tokens of our apreciation & respect. I told him of my childhood experience, & how I felt a tremendous healing witnessing the respect & love from the audience. I got a big hug & kiss on the cheek from him, & a pic of the occasion.
    Not surprisingly, his passing hit me much more deeply than the passing of Pres. Reagan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP
From:
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 01:43 PM

Without Ray Charles, I'm not sure I'd be alive today. His music, first "Drown in My Own Tears," and then all the rest, helped me hang on after the breakup of my marriage back in 1962. I had to survive because I had a son to raise, but I felt that, without Ray, I'd have just gotten sick in some way and maybe died. Now my son has children of his own, and my younger children are grown up, too. Since Ray's death, I've developed a deep chest congestion. It's good to find this board. Most people I know don't understand, and I've felt so isolated in grief. Thanks for posting, everyone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Charles RIP - June 4, 2004
From: GUEST,Genizah
Date: 25 Jul 16 - 08:22 AM

Thanks Ray