The best photos of Ray Charles

Jet, June 28, 2004

* PRODIGY AND PRO: Detroit's sightless, 11-year-old musical prodigy, Little Stevie Wonder (who plays harmonica, piano, organ, drums and sings), gets warm words of encouragement from another musical genius, Ray Charles, who predicts a bright future for the youngster. (JET, May 31, 1962)

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* STAR FOR RAY: Entertainer Ray Charles is all smiles as he clutches his star that was implanted recently in Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The singer/musician is one of several Black entertainers to receive the honor in recent months. A veteran performer, Charles has been thrilling audiences with his genius for more than 35 years. (JET, January 7, 1982)

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* MUSICAL BUDDIES: Grammy Award-winning musicians Ray Charles and B.B. King enjoy a laugh at a press conference in New York as they discuss their world tour with the Philip Morris Superband. The two stars say working together is a highlight in their careers. (JET, December 3, 1990)

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* LIVING IT UP: Legendary musician Ray Charles kicks up his heels as he performs Living For The City during a recent taping of "Ray Charles: 50 Years In Music, Uh-Huh!" The musical gala, which was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, celebrated Charles' half-century of music-making. Proceeds from the affair will go to the Starlight/Starbright Foundation. (JET, October 7, 1991)

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* MUSICAL BUDDIES: "Godfather" of Soul" James Brown gets a warm hug from his longtime musical friend, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Ray Charles, as they attend singer Paul Simon's "Back to the Ranch" all-star benefit concert in Montauk, NY. (JET, September 9, 1996)

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* HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAY: Legendary performer Ray Charles laughs after he received a cake for his 70th birthday as show-biz pals Quincy Jones (l), Jones' friend, Lisette Derouaux, and singer Valerie Simpson applaud during a Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony presented by the Blues Foundation at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, CA. (JET, October 23, 2000)

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* LOTS OF LUCK! Ray Charles stands near a slot machine he helped design during the launching of user-friendly slot machines for the blind at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. (JET, October 22, 2001)

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* TRIBUTE TO RAY CHARLES: Legendary music icon Ray Charles and Broadway maven Liza Minnelli perform onstage during the Miracle on 34th street concert in New York's Madison Square Garden. The concert was billed as a tribute to Ray Charles. (JET, January 13, 2003)

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