Farewell to a great man

Today America, and indeed the world, mourns the passing of a great man.

He made us feel good about ourselves. He made us feel good about America.

He was at times a controversial figure, but no one can honestly deny his accomplishments.

He did much in his long life, and his works shall resonate down the corridors of history. Yet, like all beloved individuals, he died too soon.

Maxim magazine put it best when they said: "He made being a blind black piano player so cool that someone else did it."

Farewell, Ray Charles. And if there is a Heaven, its music just became a little sweeter.