The music world lost an icon when Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, at the age of 73. Charles was one of those once-in-a-generation voices that rarely come along.

I just heard on the radio that Ray Charles died. Damn — damn — damn! Ronnie and Ray in the same week. Of course, Ronnie did a lot more for the country, but Ray was a great communicator in his own way.

Discover 14 facts about the extraordinary life of Ray Charles, the legendary musician who transformed soul, jazz, blues, and ...