I was saddened today during my morning commute when I read in Metro that Ray Charles had passed away. He’s been on my speakers since I was at University and although he has no recent ‘hits’ to speak of, he will be missed.

I was introduced to Ray by hearing some of his songs covered by The Beatles on the Live At The BBC album. That CD has been a gateway to a wonderful spectrum of music for me – Chuck Berry, the Crickets, early Elvis – and Ray’s songs were definitely some of the high points.

A couple of years ago I bought the wonderful Definitive Ray Charles CD after reading the glowing review in Uncut and still listen to it all the time. I had been keeping my eye out for an album of his that contained the awesome Mess Around – as featured in the classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles – as well as all of the other wonderful songs and this proved to be it. Awesome music.

Rest in peace, Brother Ray.

While living in New York City, without a TV but with a superfast internet connection, my friend Pat turned me on to Groove Salad, an internet radio station on Soma FM. No adverts, just great music – excellent for working to.