LOS ANGELES (Recording Academy) - "The world is a quieter place today as we mourn the passing of 12-time GRAMMY-winner Ray Charles. A member of the Recording Academy for more than 45 years, Mr. Charles was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 and this past February, we bestowed upon him the prestigious President's Merit Award. With a mix of blues, gospel, jazz and soul, Mr. Charles was the preeminent American musician - with a heart as grand as his talents. The Academy has lost a dear friend and the world has lost a musical legend." Neil Portnow President
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