Ray Charles news stories on Newser

Greatest Singer Ever: Aretha

Rob Quinn — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:18:36 CST

Aretha Franklin isn't just the Queen of Soul, she's the greatest singer of all time, according to a new Rolling Stone poll of critics, musicians, and industry leaders. Her heavenly voice is "a gift from God," says Mary J. Blige. "Aretha has everything—the power, the technique," Bilge adds. "When...

Music Giant Jerry Wexler Dead at 91

Nick McMaster — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:11:55 CDT

Jerry Wexler, a music industry giant who coined the term "rhythm and blues" and worked to bring black popular music into the mainstream, died today at age 91, the New York Times reports. Wexler, a producer at Atlantic Records in its heyday, worked with new artists such as Aretha Franklin,...

Ray Charles' 12 Kids Seek More Control Over Estate

Sam Gale Rosen — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:30:00 CDT

The children of legendary singer Ray Charles—all 12 of them—want more control over their father's estate. A confusing meeting with their ailing dad before he died has entangled the kids in legal battles over Charles' estate, currently run by the musician's longtime manager Joe Adams, the Los Angeles...