Ray Charles left us today at 73....

[Botafogo]

Foodie, I have to disagree: Mr Charles was the first African American artist to DEMAND and GET total crative control and ownership of his masters thus creating a BUSINESS that was equal to his talent. He went out of his way to tell everyone about this and how important it was.

As to his addiction, has anyone ever seen his interview in Playboy where he points out that "People think that junkies ain't nothing but lowlifes because that is all they ever see in the newspapers. No one ever writes about a guy like me who has his own recording studio, production company, record label adn radio station, employing hundreds of people, who HAPPENS to be a heroin addict but doesn't bother anyone with it..."

Mr. Charles is getting completely disrespected today because of the unfortunate timeing of his death. He deserves MUCH more recognition and tribute than he is going to get. He ALSO changed the world and EVERYONE loved him.

The Nightlife ain't no good life but it's my life....

Roberto