Ray Charles Death Date and Immediate Facts
Ray Charles died on June 10, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 73. The official cause of death was acute liver disease, with contributing factors including long-term health issues. His passing was widely reported by major outlets, including Forbes, which highlighted his influence on music and business.
His death came less than a year after the release of his final studio album, "Genius Loves Company," which featured collaborations with prominent artists. The album went on to win multiple Grammy Awards, reinforcing his lasting impact on the music industry. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at an estimated $75 million to $100 million, according to public financial reports.
Career Milestones and Financial Legacy
Ray Charles built a career spanning over five decades, blending gospel, blues, jazz, and pop. He founded Tangerine Records in the 1960s, which later evolved into a broader business portfolio. His business acumen and brand partnerships helped solidify his financial standing, as noted by SEC filings and financial disclosures related to his estate.
His influence extended beyond music into branding and licensing. The "Ray Charles" name became synonymous with a distinct sound and entrepreneurial spirit. His estate continues to manage intellectual property rights, generating revenue through licensing deals, as detailed in Billboard coverage of his catalog.
Impact on Music Industry and Estate Management
Ray Charles's death marked the end of an era for American music, but his legacy continues through his recordings and influence. His estate is managed by his heirs and professional trustees, ensuring ongoing royalty flows and brand protection. The management structure has been compared to other long-standing music estates, as analyzed by Bloomberg in its financial profiles of entertainment assets.
His final album, "Genius Loves Company," remains a benchmark for cross-genre collaboration and commercial success. The album's production and release strategy are studied as a case in posthumous music marketing. His death date, June 10, 2004, is a fixed point in music history that continues to anchor retrospectives and financial assessments of his body of work.