Ray Charles, one of the greatest and most famous jazz and blues singers died earlier today in his home in Beverly Hills, California, surrounded by friends and family. A spokesman said that Charles died of acute liver disease.
Charles was a pianist, who mixed gospel, blues and jazz. He was best known for fast-paced hits like “Hit the Road, Jack” and ballads liked “Georgia on My Mind,” as well as his rendition of the patriotic song “America the Beautiful.”
Born in a poor family in 1930, Charles began playing piano at the age of five. He continued playing and writing music even after becoming blind from glaucoma at the age of seven and being orphaned when he was 15.
Charles won numerous awards in his career, including the music industry’s prestigious Grammy award. In 1986, he was also named a recipient of the Kennedy Center honors.
Mary Morningstar with VOA News reported in February of this year that Charles was working on a new album for Concord Records. The duets collection featured collaborations with Norah Jones, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Michael McDonald and Bonnie Raitt.
On March 2, Charles performed his first concert since undergoing hip surgery.
Last August, he was forced to cancel his remaining 2003 concert dates to undergo treatment for acute hip pain. He said, “I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of going back to work. Music and performing are in my blood. I need them like oxygen.”
Charles also performed last summer at the du Maurier Jazz Festival. Playing at the Hummingbird Centre for the Arts, Ray Charles brought along a 17-piece orchestra to showcase his legendary repertoire.
