Musicians & Composers · 20th Century
Ray Charles’s Last Words
“Unknown — he died peacefully at home.”— Ray Charles, June 10, 2004
Who Was Ray Charles?
Ray Charles was a musical genius who blended gospel, R&B, soul, country, and jazz into a revolutionary sound. Hit the Road Jack, Georgia On My Mind, and I Got a Woman are among his masterworks.
The Final Moments
Ray Charles died at his home in Beverly Hills surrounded by friends and family. He had been in declining health from liver disease.
Are These Words Verified?
Family and close associates confirmed he died peacefully at home without recorded last words. News reports from the time support this account.
Sources
- firsthand Family members present
- newspaper Contemporary obituaries, June 2004
- biography Michael Lydon's Ray Charles: Man and Music
Legacy
Charles was called 'The Genius' and his fusion of gospel and R&B essentially created soul music. Georgia On My Mind became the state song of Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Ray Charles’s last words?
“Unknown — he died peacefully at home.”
How did Ray Charles die?
Ray Charles died on June 10, 2004 at the age of 73. Cause of death: Liver disease.
Were Ray Charles’s last words documented?
Family and close associates confirmed he died peacefully at home without recorded last words. News reports from the time support this account.