Ray Charles Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Ray Charles, Van Morrison and Bette Midler was 51 years old.“The love of my life is now in peace with the angels,” wrote Gloria on Instagram on Friday (August 26). “Right now I have very few words.

Mable John, who recorded for Motown and Stax and later worked with Ray Charles, died Aug. 25 at her home in Los Angeles. Her nephew, Kevin John, confirmed the death, but did not give a cause. She was 91.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Bob Dylan was announced earlier this year as having written separate appreciations of more than 60 different songs for his forthcoming book, “The Philosophy of Modern Song.” Now, the names of all 66 songs he wrote about have been revealed, thanks to the dissemination of a table-of-contents page for the highly anticipated book, which comes out in early November via Simon & Schuster. (Read the full list below.) Not surprisingly, classic songs written and/or recorded by Americans greats like Jimmy Reed, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Little Richard, Townes Van Zandt will come up for consideration. Less expectedly, Dylan will detour to analyze songs like Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” the Eagles’ “Witchy Woman,” the Fugs’ “CIA Man” and Rosemary Clooney’s “Come On-a My House.”

Thania Garcia Creed Taylor — the producer and executive who launched the legendary jazz labels Impulse! and CTI, and is credited with introducing bossa nova to the U.S. — died on Aug. 23, as confirmed in a statement from Verve Records. He was 93. “For over 60 years, Creed Taylor expanded the horizons of jazz, from signing John Coltrane to Impulse! Records to introducing Bossa Nova music to the world via his work with Charlie Byrd, Stan Getz, and Astrud Gilberto,” the post reads. “He was a genius when it came to finding new and special music that would stay with listeners forever, and his signature was his personal stamp of approval. He will be missed greatly, and our sympathy goes out to his family.”

who died in 2014 at age 94, wrote or co-wrote “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.” He is also credited with popularizing “We Shall Overcome,” an anthem of the civil rights movement.“He was not only a champion of traditional American music, he was also celebrated as a unifying power by promoting a variety of causes, such as civil rights, workers’ rights, social justice, the peace movement and protecting the environment,” said Tom Foti, the postal service’s product solutions vice president.While Seeger, a lifelong activist, was exiled from commercial airplay in the 1950s and 1960s after an appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee for his Communist affiliations, his career never slowed and he continued to record and tour.He won Grammy Awards, was inducted into both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll halls of fame, and earned both the National Medal of the Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.He remained an activist late into his life — walking through the streets of Manhattan leading an Occupy Movement protest in 2011.Seeger joins a long list of musical performers to appear on a US postage stamp, including Elvis Presley, Thelonious Monk, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.The Seeger stamps are sold in panes of 16 resembling a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve, according to the postal service.

Wilson Chapman editorTerry Gross has received Peabody’s Institutional Award, for her work on the long-running NPR radio program “Fresh Air.” The annual Institutional Award is presented to institutions and programs for their body of work and their impact on the media landscape. The honoree is selected by the Peabody’s Board of Jurors, and presented ahead of the regular announcement of this year’s 30 Peabody Awards winners.

READ MORE: Cancer symptoms: The 'feeling' that strikes first thing in the morning - it's a red flagHe also became hooked on heroin from the age of 18 and was arrested in 1965 for possession but left music for a year to free himself from the bad habit. But he came back ready to continue his work and kept performing until the 2000s. But in the end, Ray Charles passed away after an illness made him cancel several appearances in 2004, NPR reported.

NEW YORK -- One night in Stockholm half a century ago, Ray Charles delivered a blood-pumping, soul-shaking concert that was almost lost to history.The evening begins with a finger-snapping rendition of Charles' classic concert opener, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” followed by an electrifying “What’d I Say.” Charles then delivers two more rarities, a lazy, bluesy version of “I've Had My Fun” followed by “Games People Play.” He closes with a frantic “Marie” followed by an extended 8-minute version of “I’ve Got a Woman.” The crowd goes wild.Many details of that night are lost, like the exact date, which venue in the city hosted Charles and the identity of the mysterious engineer who nailed his or her job. But there's no denying that it is a remarkable record.“It captured an incredible moment where he was particularly playing and singing well and the band was on, and so they’re just great versions,” says John Burk, who produced Charles' last album, the Grammy-winning “Genius Loves Company.” “He was kind of at the peak of his powers.”Amid the songs, Charles can be heard interacting with the audience.

Naomi Judd died unexpectedly.The loss of Naomi Judd altered the normally celebratory ceremony, but the music played on, as the genre’s singers and musicians mourned the country legend while also celebrating the four inductees: The Judds, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake. Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and many more performed their hit songs.Naomi and Wynonna Judd were among the most popular duos of the 1980s, scoring 14 No.

Country Music Hall of Fame induction. The honor was delivered just 24 hours after the music matriarch’s passing.

Naomi Judd's life and legacy were honored in an emotional Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday.The country songstress died on Saturday, one day before she and her daughter Wynonna Judd — who make up the country music duo The Judds — were set to be inducted.While Wynonna's presence at the ceremony was confirmed prior to the event, sister Ashley Judd came out on stage to share her love and support amid the somber, bittersweet moment.«I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,» Ashley shared, through tears. The sisters embraced one another and recited a bible verse, Psalm 23, while memorializing their late mom.Wynonna also told the silent crowd, «Though my heart is broken I will continue to sing»During the event, fans gathered outside the museum. There was a white floral bouquet set up outside the entrance and a small framed photo of Naomi, honoring her memory.The star-studded ceremony — which cancelled the traditional red carpet pre-show event out of respect for Naomi's unexpected death — also celebrated the induction of music icons Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake.Naomi died on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Ray Charles and The Judds joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony filled with tears, music and laughter, just a day after Naomi Judd died unexpectedly. The loss of Naomi Judd altered the normally celebratory ceremony, but the music played on, as the genre’s singers and musicians mourned the country legend while also celebrating the four inductees: The Judds, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake. Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and many more performed their hit songs at the ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

Naomi Judd's life and legacy were honored in an emotional Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday.The country songstress died on Saturday, one day before she and her daughter Wynonna Judd — who make up the country music duo The Judds — were set to be inducted.While Wynonna's presence at the ceremony was confirmed prior to the event, sister Ashley Judd came out on stage to share her love and support amid the somber, bittersweet moment.«I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,» Ashley shared, through tears. The sisters embraced one another and recited a bible verse, Psalm 23, while memorializing their late mom.Wynonna also told the silent crowd, «Though my heart is broken I will continue to sing»During the event, fans gathered outside the museum. There was a white floral bouquet set up outside the entrance and a small framed photo of Naomi, honoring her memory.The star-studded ceremony — which cancelled the traditional red carpet pre-show event out of respect for Naomi's unexpected death — also celebrated the induction of music icons Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake.Naomi died on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Naomi and her daughter Wynonna Judd, along with Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, one day after Naomi Judd died.

Naomi Judd died unexpectedly. The loss of Naomi Judd altered the normally celebratory ceremony, but the music played on, as the genre's singers and musicians mourned Naomi Judd while also celebrating the four inductees: The Judds, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake. Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and many more performed their hit songs.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will continue with its medallion ceremony Sunday in Nashville following news of the death of country music icon Naomi Judd, who, along with her daughter Wynonna, was set to be inducted as The Judds. According to a Country Music Hall of Fame rep, Wynonna Judd is expected to attend the induction ceremony. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement provided to Billboard that the Judd family requested the ceremony carry on in light of Naomi’s passing.

following the death of inductee Naomi Judd — who along with her daughter, Wynonna — is set to be inducted on Sunday. In a statement to ET, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum shared that -- per the family’s request -- the ceremony will proceed.  «We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of mother-daughter duo The Judds,» Young said. «Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Country Music Hall of Fame will induct Ray Charles and The Judds into its ranks on Sunday night, though the death of Naomi Judd a day earlier will undoubtedly alter the normally celebratory ceremony.The hall said late Saturday that it would continue with the ceremony at the request of Judd's family, but with “heavy hearts and weighted minds,” according to CEO Kyle Young.Mother-daughter act Naomi and Wynonna Judd were among the most popular duos of the 1980s, scoring 14 No.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will continue with its medallion ceremony on Sunday, May 1st in Nashville following news of the death of country music icon Naomi Judd, who, along with her daughter Wynonna, was set to be inducted as The Judds.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorA day after Naomi Judd’s death, the previously scheduled induction of the Judds into the Country Music Hall of Fame will go ahead as planned, with Naomi’s daughter Wynonna expected to attend, a rep for the Hall tells Variety. As the Judds, Naomi and Wynonna were one of the most successful country acts of the past 40 years, although they initially parted in 1991.“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum joins family and fans in grieving the sudden loss of Naomi Judd,” the statement reads. “Following the wishes of the Judd family, the museum will move forward with the Medallion Ceremony on Sunday, May 1, with Wynonna planning on being in attendance.

The Judds are still set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow, May 1.

Guitar Shorty, a blue great for more than six decades known for his stage antics and awesome guitar solos, died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 87 and his death was attributed to natural causes by his representatives.

Norah Jones has finally released her cover of Ray Charles‘ ‘Hallelujah, I Love Him So’ – listen to it below.Released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her landmark debut ‘Come Away With Me’, Jones originally recorded her rendition of the 1956 song during one of her very first demo sessions for Blue Note Records back in 2000.Until now, the cover has never previously been released. It will be available for the first time as part of ‘Come Away With Me: 20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition’, a multi-disc reissue that will arrive on April 29.The anniversary release will contains 21 other previously unreleased tracks including demos of Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most’, Nat King Cole’s ‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’, and Lou Rawls’ ‘World Of Trouble’.The expanded studio set will also feature the first version of the album that Jones originally recorded at Allaire Studios with producer Craig Street.Pre-order the album here; listen to Jones’ version of ‘Hallelujah, I Love Him So’ below.‘Come Away with Me: 20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition’ tracklist:Disc 1: ‘Come Away With Me – 20th Anniversary Remaster’01. ‘Don’t Know Why’02. ‘Seven Years’03. ‘Cold Cold Heart’04. ‘Feelin’ The Same Way’05. ‘Come Away With Me’06. ‘Shoot The Moon’07. ‘Turn Me On’08. ‘Lonestar’09. ‘I’ve Got To See You Again’10. ‘Painter Song’11. ‘One Flight Down’12. ‘Nightingale’13. ‘The Long Day Is Over’14. ‘The Nearness Of You’Disc 2: ‘The Demos, First Sessions Outtakes, & First Sessions’ EP01. ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most’02. ‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’03. ‘World Of Trouble’04. ‘The Only Time’05. ‘I Didn’t Know About You’06. ‘Something Is Calling You’ (tabla version)07. ‘Just Like A Dream Today’08. ‘When Sunny Gets Blue’0

K.J. Yossman Iggy Pop and Paris-based contemporary music troupe Ensemble intercontemporain have been named the 2022 recipients of the Polar Music Prize.The Polar Music Prize, which was founded in 1989 by Swedish musician Stig ”Stikkan” Anderson, is one of the world’s most prestigious music awards.

Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”) and Regina King (“The Harder They Fall”) sat down for a virtual chat for Variety’s Actors on Actors, presented by Amazon Studios. For more, click here.Regina King and Aunjanue Ellis have shared the screen twice, in 2004’s “Ray” and 2018’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.” In both outings, the actors played adversaries — first as songstresses competing for Ray Charles’ affections and then as the mothers of the central lovers in “Beale Street” who don’t see eye to eye about their children’s relationship.“I feel like we’ve been robbed,” King says.

Ed Sheeran has revealed that he and Eminem became pen-pals after bonding over a shared love of cassette tapes.Sheeran recently appeared on Later… with Jools Holland, where he explained how he and the rap icon – who have collaborated on three singles since 2017 – are both into cassette collecting.“I collect cassettes and I’ve got Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder and they are quite difficult to find,” he said.

Max Roach staging a rival event in protest at the perceived commerciality of Wein’s booking policy, which included the likes of Chuck Berry, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. Nothing, though, was as ill-advised as Wein’s attempt to incorporate rock bands like Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers and Sly & the Family Stone, causing riots and gatecrashers.

Naomi and Wynonna Judd are soon to be members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.