Just yesterday, while watching the Capitol Rotunda Memorial Service for Ronald Reagan, I was very touched by a stirring rendition of"America the Beautiful" by the Air Force's Singing Sergeants. I remembered being touched like this before upon hearing a very different and deeply soulful rendition by the great Ray Charles.

Another day, another passing. Ray Charles, 73, an American institution, a vocalist and instrumentalist who spanned jazz, pop, gospel, blues, early rock 'n roll, and country, has died.

I'll miss you, Brother Ray.

Chris Matthew Sciabarra - 6/11/2004

Ah, wonderful recording that "Baby Grand." So many wonderful recordings in the Charles corpus; they had a nice tribute to him on "Nightline" last night and it was a great "trip down memory lane."

I have a really nice recording of "Porgy and Bess" with Charles and Cleo Lane. What a great artist---to transcend so many genres... thank goodness for recordings...

Sheldon Richman - 6/10/2004

I hadn't heard, Chris. That truly saddens me. In his honor I will play his duet with Billy Joel, "My Baby Grand." I'll miss that man.