The management of Ray Charles made an official statement regarding the legendary singer's death on Friday. Charles' publicist simply said: "Music legend Ray Charles, 73, a 13-time Grammy Award winner, known the world over as "The Genius of Soul," died at 11:35 AM (PDT) today at the age of 73."
More tributes were paid to Charles from artists across the world. Stevie Wonder expressed his sadness, calling Charles an "incredible musician, singer, writer and a great man whose life should be celebrated. He was just incredible because he was a great musician, he was a genius in the true meaning of the word genius. He was able to bring various genres of music together."
Michael Jackson told reporters: "His music is timeless, his contribution to the music industry unequalled, unparalleled. He paved the way for so many of us, and I will forever remember him in my heart."
Former Manfred Mann singer Paul Jones told the BBC: "In common with all the true greats, he committed his whole personality into the performance of the song. He wrote some fantastic things, but his brilliance also comes through in his interpretation of pop songs and standards."
Finally, Don McLean praised the strength of character Charles displayed during his illness: "You know what I love about people like him is that they gave every single ounce of energy to us back. They never said 'I don't feel well' or 'I can't make the plane' or 'you know, I don't want to do this' or 'I don't want to do that'.
Concord Records and Starbucks who, as previously reported, are set to release a new duets album recorded by Charles in his final months have confirmed said album will be available - initially via the coffee chain's Hear Music service - at the end of the summer.