IT"S A SHAME ABOUT RAY

Tributes have been pouring in for RAY CHARLES, who died yesterday (June 10).


The blues legend passed away aged 73 at his Los Angeles home after complications arose from liver disease.


Stevie Wonder described Charles as a "genius", saying: "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 said: "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."


Meanwhile, 'American Pie' star Don McLean paid tribute to Charles' attitude: "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'.


"It's like Frank Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald, like Peggy Lee, like all those people, even like Mick Jagger, who's out there all the time - giving, giving, giving - that's what it's all about."