Quotes about singer Ray Charles, upon his death at 73 Thursday:
"Ray Charles was a man we particularly admired both as a friend and as an artist. We had a great time recently reminiscing together and we will all miss him very much." — Clint Eastwood, who filmed Charles extensively for a segment in the 2003 documentary "The Blues."
"He blurred the boundaries of musical genres in that he effortlessly crossed over from soul to blues to country to jazz. Somehow, he had the gift of breaking down those barriers and being successful in different genres." — John Burk, producer of Charles' last album, "Genius Loves Company," featuring duets with old friends and lifelong admirers, including Willie Nelson, Diana Krall, Gladys Knight and Elton John
"The death of Ray Charles is an incredible loss for the world of music. He inspired so many people and his music will live forever." — Elton John, who recorded a duet with Charles in March on John's song "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."
"I lost one of my best friends and I will miss him a lot. Last month or so, we got together and recorded 'It Was a Very Good Year,' by Frank Sinatra. It was great hanging out with him for a day." — Willie Nelson.
"When he started singing, that was it. Everyone else was playing for second." — Bruce Hornsby, singer-pianist.