Sometimes, I like to end the week on a non-political note. This week, I'd like to pay tribute to Ray Charles who died yesterday at the age of 73.

Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930. In his first years, his sight began to leave him. He was completely blind by the age of seven. Despite this early setback, Charles began performing in clubs at the age of 16. His music caught the ear of recording executives at a time when the music of African-American performers was referred to as "race music."

Charles went on to win 12 Grammy Awards over the course of his career, and captured the hearts of millions all over the world with songs like "Georgia on My Mind."

Newsday has a good article today highlighting Charles' career, and the influence he had on music and entertainment.