The Late Ray Charles Dominates the Grammys

The R&B singer won, among others, the trophies for ALBUM OF THE YEARand BEST POP ALBUM for his CD Genius Loves Company.  Joe Adams, who was the singer’s agent, accepted the awards on his behalf.

Ray Charles passed away last June, at the age of 73.

Genius Loves Company, recorded in the final months of Charles’ life. contains duets with many well-known artists, such as Elton John, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald and Norah Jones.  The duet with Norah Jones, "Here We Go Again" also won the prize for RECORD OF THE YEAR.

John Mayer took home a trophy for SONG OF THE YEAR, for the successful "Daughters".

The group Maroon 5 beat out Kanye West, Gretchen Wilson, Joss Stone and Los Lonely Boys in the competition for BEST NEW ARTIST.

Kanye West, who was leading upon entering the awards with 10 nominations, finished the evening with only one award for BEST RAP ALBUM, The College Dropout.

The Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani and Eve, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon 5 and Franz Ferdinand all offered performances, as well as actor Jamie Foxx who joined Alicia Keys for a special performance of "Georgia On My Mind", a song by the late Ray Charles.

The event was lively with host, singer and actor Queen Latifah, who assured that the 50 year anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll will not be forgotten.