R.I.P. Ray Charles
Jun. 11th, 2004 02:39 amRay Charles died at 11:35 a.m. (2:35 p.m. ET), in Beverly Hills, California, his publicist said. The cause was of complications from liver disease.
Charles was a towering figure in pop music history. The term "genius" came from Frank Sinatra -- no slouch in the singing department himself -- and others called him "the greatest pop singer of his generation" and "a true American musical original."
Singer Aretha Franklin said in a written statement, "a great soul has gone on."
"He was a fabulous man, full of humor and wit," she said. "A giant of an artist, and of course, he introduced the world to secular soul singing. Undoubtedly, the music world will miss his voice. He's the voice of a lifetime."
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Charles was divorced. He had 12 children. A memorial service is to be held next week at the AME Church in central Los Angeles.
Charles was a towering figure in pop music history. The term "genius" came from Frank Sinatra -- no slouch in the singing department himself -- and others called him "the greatest pop singer of his generation" and "a true American musical original."
Singer Aretha Franklin said in a written statement, "a great soul has gone on."
"He was a fabulous man, full of humor and wit," she said. "A giant of an artist, and of course, he introduced the world to secular soul singing. Undoubtedly, the music world will miss his voice. He's the voice of a lifetime."
Charles was divorced. He had 12 children. A memorial service is to be held next week at the AME Church in central Los Angeles.