I've been a fan of his for the longest time. And when I read that he passed away.. I heard him singing this song...

Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.

Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.

Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?

Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.

.

Rest In Peace.... may you find your way back home.....



Ray Charles Dead at 73

by Joal Ryan
Jun 10, 2004, 12:40 PM PT



Some singers have a signature song. Ray Charles had a signature songbook.

Charles, whose collection of hits instantly identifiable with his soulful growl and piano licks included "Georgia on My Mind," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Hit the Road Jack," and the most soulful "God Bless America" around, died Thursday morning of complications of liver disease, per his publicist. He was 73.

Charles had been in ill health for months.

In May, he attended an event in Los Angeles using a motorized wheelchair and speaking in a hushed voice.

"I'm a little weak now, but I'm gonna get stronger," Charles told the crowd on hand for the dedication of his L.A. studios as a national landmark, per JazzCorner.com.

Born Sept. 23, 1930, in Georgia, Charles began a recording star in the 1950s. His sound spanned R&B, soul, gospel and country.