When Did Ray Charles Die? Looking Back at His Final Performances and Passing
By James H. Sterling
Q1: Is Ray Charles still alive?
No. Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, at his home in Beverly Hills, California, at 73 years old.
Q2: What was Ray Charles's official cause of death?
He died from acute liver disease, having experienced advancing health complications that began following hip surgery in mid-2003.
Q3: Where is Ray Charles buried?
He is interred in a private crypt inside the mausoleum at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California, near downtown Los Angeles.
Q4: Did Ray Charles ever see the Jamie Foxx biopic?
He saw early production cuts and actively collaborated with Jamie Foxx and director Taylor Hackford, but died on June 10, 2004, prior to the film's theatrical release in October of that year.
Q5: Who controls Ray Charles's music rights and royalties?
The majority of his commercial masters, likeness rights, and financial estate are managed by The Ray Charles Foundation, a charitable non-profit that funds educational programs and medical assistance for hearing loss.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
