Ray Charles, best known for his gospel and blues music, died on Thursday, according to a spokesperson. He was 73.

Charles died at his home in Beverly Hills. He has been suffering from a long fight with liver disease. Family and friends were with him when he passed away.

The piano-playing blind singer won 12 Grammy Awards. Such hits included “Hit the Road Jack,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “What’d I Say.”

Charles spent the last year off the road, so he could undergo a hip replacement. He had plans to resume touring next month, but scrapped those plans, according to Reuters.

He had a new album, “Genius Love Company,” scheduled for release on August 31, consisting of duets with such singers as Norah Jones, James Taylor, Elton John, Diana Krall, and Van Morrison.

In October, Jamie Foxx will portray Charles in a movie simply titled “Ray” (originally titled “Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story”).






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