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Ray Charles Obituary
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.
1553 Entries
Dennis Winship
May 14, 2021
They made a movie called ray after he passed away. He also singed america the beautiful at wrestle mania 2. Dennis winship Lynn massachusetts
joey pusateri
July 28, 2020
i love you song ring of fire i love all you songs
JOY
May 9, 2020
I liked the your music. And god blessed us with your time here with us.
esther yeoh
August 13, 2019
Loveliest soul Brother Ray, stay in my heart, always.
How you can show support
Karen Green-Jones
June 28, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
gloria allen-brown
February 4, 2019
MR RAY CHARLES ,
HE WAS A GENIUS in every sense of the word. His music lives on in my heart, as I go through life and all it has to offer.
Gloria Allen-Brown
Lisa Murrey Ransom
December 23, 2018
R.ESPECTED
A.WESOME
Y.EAR AROUND JOYFUL LEGEND
C.ompelling
H.ONORABLE
A.UTHENTIC
R.ADIANT
L.OVING
E.XCEPTIONAL
S.ENSATIONAL
REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE
NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN
December 23, 2018
R.ESPECTED
A.WESOME
Y.EAR AROUND JOYFUL LEGEND
C.ompelling
H.ONORABLE
A.UTHENTIC
R.ADIANT
L.OVING
E.XCEPTIONAL
S.ENSATIONAL
REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE
NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN
John Zullo
July 19, 2017
RIP. You are an amazing artist you'll will always be missed and loved by millions
Valenda Newell
July 1, 2016
I NOT ONLY ADMIRE ONE FOR BEING A GREAT MUSICIAN, BUT FOR ALSO BEING A SMART BUSINESS MAN. The music one wrote, produced, sang and played will never go out of style. The music has no time limits. THE GREATEST TALENT EVER!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING
Moses Toth
June 15, 2016
Ray, your music still connects with the deepest parts of my soul. Thank you my friend:)
Ronald Haste
March 9, 2016
Ray Charles introduced me to blues/Jazz/R&B in the early '50s. I was captivated by his bravely innovating mixture of blues and gospel. It was frowned upon by some at the time but now we can see what a fantastic combination it is. Thank you Ray for your contribution to every genre- Jazz, blues,gospel, pop, R&B,& country/western. You will never be forgotten.
Bev Norwood
February 26, 2016
Cannot wait for tonight's PBS "In Performance at the White House" salute to the legendary genius of Ray Charles! I'll be the girl with the red dress on. RAY CHARLES: You were a gift to each of us who loved your music and adored you. We just "can't stop loving you" and shall forever!
September 10, 2015
Awesome singer and performer gone, miss you Ray
jessica duncan
March 10, 2015
Ray Charles you are the most famous person that was in the Movie called ray i have the movie
Lisa Weiner
March 7, 2015
To Ray Charles,
You were a very talented entertainer. My prayers are with you and your friends. Lisa Weiner
Harry Simpson
January 22, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
TaVion Walker
January 17, 2015
Ray Charles your the best singer I've ever seen love you so much my best song is I got a woman
Alvin Carter
January 1, 2015
Ray Charles was one of greatest artist of our time, and his music and voice will be miss,rest in peace.
patty kendall
June 15, 2014
Rest in peace love u
Gwen Satterfield
June 7, 2014
Love you? R.I.P
yasmin carrillo
May 1, 2014
i yasmin really admire ray charles because he had a great heart and soul. i also enjoy music, i thank him for everything that he has done.
Charles Everage
November 27, 2013
I will never forget meeting you,something I have always want to do, so I will see you at the top.
Nanna Wess
November 2, 2013
Thanks for all the good time no one knows better than me what fun we had see ya when I get there FRIEND. - Nanna - (St Louis MO)
Christopher Thompson
October 27, 2013
I willy loved Ray Charles music
Ann Camm Wynne Beers
April 1, 2013
Goodness, I miss you so very muuch. You gave so much. Now God is giving to You. Enjoy Heaven! See you there and I will once again love hearing you sing.
A huge fan,
Ann Camm
Richard Owen
March 2, 2013
Thank You For All Your Wonderful Music, Mr. Charles. Rest In Peace, Kind Sir. See You On The Other Side.
MercedeZ Harris
February 22, 2013
U were a great singer lots of love
February 5, 2013
whats up ray charles this oneleg from ms.jackson class miss you and your music rip
Jasmin Fabela
February 5, 2013
Rest In Peace
Sonia
February 5, 2013
R.I.P
Abigail Fabela
February 5, 2013
Rest In Peace.
Krystol Gindratt
February 5, 2013
Thank you, for blessing us with your gift! RIP.
Michael Henderson
February 5, 2013
I will remember you always!
Ms. Jackson Class, MVC
February 5, 2013
Blessed memories!
Toddrick Spivey
February 5, 2013
Thank you for your music God bless you
J Yeager
January 14, 2013
You are always on my mind, a true Ledgend.
Robin Williams
January 10, 2013
I love you mr Ray Charles
J> G.
December 1, 2012
With sincere condolences to Ray Charles.A hope Eccl.9:5.
velma jeter
November 12, 2012
You were such an inspirational man I loved your music and your timeless. Music will live on forever
September 19, 2012
Lavonia bendy. 1200 W. Tidwell rd. Houston Texas 77091 #2604
Talecia Eaton
September 7, 2012
You where one the the Greatest Musicians of of all times. May you rest in peace.
Joe Hollingsworth,jr
May 18, 2012
will forever be a part of my soul.......thank you GOD for Mr. Ray Charles
April 22, 2012
I am sorry for the loss. Here are some encouraging words from the bible. "And he will wipe out every tear from their eye and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more. The former things have passed away"
CARLA EVERHART
March 20, 2012
A JOB WELL DONE....
sharon
February 27, 2012
may god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow rest in peace
Chele Wright
February 20, 2012
Rip love ur music
Anthony (Tony) Waters
February 17, 2012
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.
By Lamaretta Simmons
Gregory & Patricia White
January 15, 2012
We grew up listening to Ray Charles as our parents always played his records. I especially loved Georgia on My Mind. Our condolences and prayers to his family.
Gloria Raphiel
January 6, 2012
"It was a "GREAT PRIVILEGE" and an "HONOR", to have worked with you,back in the day, with my late "FRIEND" and "FOUNDER", the late "REV. JAMES CLEVELAND". "I shall never forget you".
GLORIA SHELBY RAPHIEL( CALIF.& LA. )
COLOMBUS, OHIO
Karen Porter
January 2, 2012
We will miss u ray u were brillent in your tallent. You touch so many hearts with your music. You will always be rememberd.
johnnie holloman
November 20, 2011
rip ray
Barbara and Brian Pierce
November 18, 2011
to one of the most talented and beloved entertainers of all time, you are greatly missed! R.I.P
Shirley Caldwell
November 10, 2011
Rest in Peace.
E. KELLEY
October 27, 2011
I WILL MISS YOU.
Kirk
October 23, 2011
Brother Ray you were not perfect...but you were a genius. My dad who is also up there in heaven with you, was crazy bout you. I know he is so glad to finally meet you in person. Come Rain or Come Shine...you are the "Man".
Love You Ray!
Dale Daniels
October 20, 2011
Had one of my best nights in the 80's seeing you beach side here on the space coast. Listened to and danced to all of your tunes. You Mr.Charles were the best!
Dale Daniels
October 20, 2011
Had one of my best nights in the 80's seeing you beach side here on the space coast. Listened to and danced to all of your tunes. You Mr.Charles were the best!
Your music will be listened to forever!
Artura Anderson
October 18, 2011
I had an opportunity to see Mr. Ray Charles down at the Pier in Baltimore, MD years ago
and he was so elegant. He will be forever
remembered.
Malcolm Beck
October 14, 2011
God bless you ray Charles we praise the lord we watch commercials and songs or movies too we thank our day to bless this moment.
September 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
May GOD continue to guide your family by means of His holy spirit to give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
D. Clark
Grady Youngblood
September 11, 2011
Ray Charles is in Heaven with God in Christ Rejoicing in his songs.
SHERY WELLS
June 21, 2011
I WANT TO SAY THAT WE LOVE YOU DOWN HERE IN MISSISSIPPI AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, YOU HAVE TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLES LIVES ALL OVER THE WORLD,WE LOVE BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE REST IN PEACE.
JACKIE HOUSTON
June 4, 2011
MR.RAY WHEN I HEARD THE ON CROSBY SHOW I FELT IN LOVE WITH HIM AND HIS MUSIC
LEE DOUGLAS
May 29, 2011
MR. RAY CHARLES THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER MAN THAT CAN SING IT ALL.WHEN I HEARD YOU SING AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, I REALIZED AS YOU SAID' GOD DONE SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE'.YES HE DID HE PROMISED ME HE WOULD. SIR YOU BROUGHT OUT THE TRUE AMERICAN IN ME. I WILL ALWAY"S LOVE YOU FOR IT. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE TO A JOB WELL DONE SR.I AM A MAN THAT SEES NO SKIN COLOR.I SEE THE HEART.
April 29, 2011
ILL MISS YA RAY KEV
sadie raines
April 10, 2011
may god bless mr.ray charles and his familys
Winifred Nelson
April 4, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
C M
January 31, 2011
May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family and friends of Mr Ray Charles. We look forward to the time when sickness and death will be a thing of the past.
December 29, 2010
First heard Mr. Charles while in college,, 1961.. Finally saw him maybe 30 years ago... Fantastic,,, Will always miss him,, but we all still have his recordings,,, God Bless You Ray...
C. M.
September 27, 2010
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
S. T. Hosick
August 31, 2010
every important or exciting event in my 65 years seemed to be enhanced by one of Ray Charles' songs with the most unique voice ever recorded. You were a huge part of my life. from 1960 to when it may end. thanks.
S. T. Hosick Rosiclare, IL
July 1, 2010
"At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened..." A marvelous future promise awaits. ( Isaiah 35:5 )
June 13, 2010
Ray Charles 6 years Since you left your Work on Earth is Done you are now in Heaven with The Angels Have Fun With You Family r.i.p 1930-2004
April 3, 2010
For Ray...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.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Robert Henry
March 26, 2010
People leave this world and we sometimes don't hear about it for months on end. I am said to hear about Mr. Ray Charles. Gone but not forgotten. God Speed! Robert
March 9, 2010
For Ray...
Thou blind you could
see more than most.
This for you...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Charles Green
February 28, 2010
I'm another person who is deeply touched by the motion picture film. He definitely played with the cards life dealt him. In God's Kingdom arrangement, he'll have more of an opportunity to touch people than he had while living in this present system of things. (Matt. 6:9, 10)
-Charles A. Green
LORI FARRAR
February 6, 2010
ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS, IN THIS WORLD. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED BY MILLIONS. YOU HAD THE WORLD ON A STRING, AND YOU KEPT IT GOING FOR SO LONG. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, YOU WERE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE KING OF MUSIC. THANKS FOR BEING THERE FOR SO MANY PEOPLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MUSIC.
A Guest
January 15, 2010
To the Family ~ Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it, and memories of their laughter and smile. These are gifts of love that are ours to keep. Though I do not know the family, I would like to extend my condolences. May the tender mercy that God has always shown be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone. And may the prayers of others help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day. Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts at this sad time. - Isaiah 41:10 & 13.
Noelle
December 24, 2009
Thanks for the music, Ray.
Princess Rare Treasure
April 10, 2009
A Legend that will be remembered for generations to come.
I can recall as a youth my Dad whom were born in the same town as Mr. Charles dancing to "Hit the Road Jack" and other Ray Charles songs, while laughing and dancing with us on his feet. (LOL)
Thanks for sharing your gift of music to
the world.
yoda
March 30, 2009
After watching the Movie I was floored by his life story.
So many hardships and worldly victories.
God's Kingdom will bring us everlasting victories and happiness.(Matt.6:9,10)
N.A. Crawford
March 28, 2009
Thank You, for Unchain My Heart, Hit the Road Jack, I Can't Stop Loving You, and so many others. Peace.
BRENDA SYMPATHY FPR YOUR LOSS
March 20, 2009
YOU"VE BEEN GONE FROM THIS WORLD A LITTLE WHILE IM SO SORRY THE GOOD HAS DYED TO.MAY YOUR SONGS MAKE GOD SMILE TO.IM SURE YOUR SINGING ALOUD TO ALL TO HEAR THERE ALWAYS..LOVE SENT TO YOU FROM A MUSIC PERSON OF YOUR ALWAYS..LOVE BRENDA POOH
Leticia Sanders
February 5, 2009
HI I'm CHI TOWN FINEST and I have love Ray Charles every since I was able to listen to him. Thanks to my Mother and Stepfather. Me and my parents,and sister love to listen to ray and fellow friends that he did songs with. I felt real close to him even though I didn't know him personally. He will always have a place in my heart may he rest in peace love the sanders family
Mary Hollins
January 2, 2009
There will never be another who can sing, 'America or Georgia" like you! RIP.
Connie kotz
November 29, 2008
rest in pease with your maker
MARVA PRINGLE
October 18, 2008
GREATNESS, FROM THE PRINGLE FAMILY
Nazarene McKinney
August 31, 2008
Isaiah 25:8 He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Loord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.
Our Creator, The one who dearly loves us will vanquish the enemy death forever. He cannot lie.
charlotte williams
August 30, 2008
Ray Charles Was A Hero In My Life He Grew Up Being A Indepedent Man I Love All Of His Music By
Wanisha
July 28, 2008
His music set a pattern for many. He was a pioneer in the soung of music. He is greatly apreciated and will not be forgotten.
May the God of comfort be with the family and friends. Proving to be a source of comfort to them. "[God] comfort us in all our tribulation, that we may be able tocomfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:4
Shantell V
January 26, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May GOD bless you all
Casandra
December 29, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Chuck Bentley
July 21, 2007
You were such a great influence on myself and so other musicians. I was shocked to hear about your death. On the other hand you're probably jamming with the angels. You will always be missed and your musical genius will last forever!
Carlos Taxi
July 13, 2007
Your music and you will be remembered for ever and ever.
Rest in Peace.
joseph umeana
July 7, 2007
Ray charles gave the world so much by way of music. Ray charles's legacy is a testament that music is a universal language involuntarily admired by all regardless of race, ethnicity and political ideology . May his soul rest in peace
May his soul rest in peace.
Nelly Brown
June 3, 2007
hey! I have this project on musical legends and I chose him! I'm happy I did because I love his music!
PAUL MCCULLER
May 21, 2007
YOUR MUSIC LIVES ON RAY
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU
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