Ray Charles, one of the most talented musicians I know, passed away yesterday at age 73 after a long fight with liver disease. I can't believe he's dead. I love listening to his music. He was one of the few who could blend blues and gospel together and make it sound good. It kind of ruined my day after hearing about his death. Mom and dad went and saw one of his last concerts this past year at the rodeo. He's one person that will be missed badly in this country.

 

Yes he transcended racial and musical barriers, he was a remarkably talented man.

He will be missed.

 

He will be one that truely lives on forever. He was a talented muscian and person. He will be missed.

 

His rendition of "America the Beautiful" is the ONLY way that song should be heard.

He will be missed.

Ed

 

Going home from work last night on the talk radio show they played Ray singin America the Beautiful and had exerpts from some of Ron's speeches ("Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall") interlaced with lulls in the music. We will miss them both. Bet they are reminiscing and talking about old times in that big place in the sky.

It was also very nice to see the respect showed by Mr. Gorbachev at the funeral. It shows that people can bury the hatchet and get along. We all need to do that.

John (DH)

 

What a loss.

In todays music world where teenagers lip sync lyrics they don't write to music they don't play shaking body parts that God didn't give them, the loss of a class act like Ray Charles is that much more significant.

He will be missed.