In Memoriam: Ray Charles / Elvin Jones

BUENA PARK, CA (June 11, 2004) — Yamaha Corporation of America joins the world music community in sadness at the passing of Ray Charles, one of America's most beloved entertainers, on June 10 at age 73.

Blind by age seven and orphaned at fifteen, Charles built the foundation for a career that defied musical and racial definitions. In the 1950s, he became a pioneer of what would be called "soul" music, a genre that brought the fervor and dynamics of gospel to secular subjects. The gifted pianist, saxophonist and singer eventually crossed the lines of R & B, Rock & Roll, Gospel, Jazz and County & Western with classic hits that include "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Georgia on My Mind" and "America the Beautiful."

Charles won 12 GRAMMY® awards and recorded more than 60 albums. Among his numerous awards were the Presidential Medal for the Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and the Polar Music Award. Charles was also an International Jazz Hall of Fame and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, and received three honorary doctoral degrees. In 1985, he played a major role in the recording of USA for Africa's "We Are the World" single.

As a longtime Yamaha artist, Charles was active in many Yamaha-sponsored events, including appearances as a featured performer in 2000's "Yamaha NAMM Millennium Concert: A Tribute to Michael McDonald" and "The 2003 NAMM Concert Honoring Sir Elton John," and was also a participant in the Sir Charles Blues Lab "Blues Off 2002" for young songwriters.

"Ray Charles was more than a musician," stated Chris Gero, corporate director, Yamaha Artist Affairs and Artist Events. "He was truly a legend and a real American musical treasure whose influence will reach well beyond his amazing career."

Charles had recently recorded an album of duets with performers that include Norah Jones, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald and James Taylor that is planned for an August release. He is survived by 12 children, 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Yamaha Drums worldwide joins the music community in sadness at the passing of legendary jazz drummer Elvin Jones on May 18 in Englewood, NJ. He was 76.

A longtime Yamaha drum artist, Jones' spontaneous, improvisational style and technical chops have been credited with elevating the role of the drummer from mere rhythm accompanist to front line performer.

A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Jones entered the Detroit jazz scene in the late 1940s after spending time in the Army. He relocated to New York City in 1955, and after an unsuccessful audition for Benny Goodman, joined Charlie Mingus' band and later, the lineup of John Coltrane's classic 1960s quartet. After leaving the Coltrane quartet, he played with Duke Ellington and formed Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine, putting out a series of successful solo albums. His noted recordings include Sonny Rollins' A Night At The Village Vanguard (Blue Note), John Coltrane's A Love Supreme (Impulse!), Wayne Shorter's JuJu (Blue Note) and Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain (Columbia).

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Jones continued to tour, willingly sharing his innovative playing techniques, positive outlook and stories with students and fans worldwide.

"Music not only inspires – it can heal," he commented at a drum clinic held in New York City shortly after the September 11 tragedy. "It's carried me for over 60 years, and it's one of the most positive forces out there."

Joe Testa, Yamaha Drums artist relations manager, said, "For those who did not personally know Elvin, listen to his music, and you'll find everything you need to know about him. He had that rare ability to put his soul, personality, love, passion and his wonderful smile into his music. He has left us a wealth of gifts and lessons in each stroke he played and each note he wrote. He will be forever missed. God bless him."

Jones was one of ten children and also had two brothers who were renowned musicians: jazz pianist Hank, and trumpeter Thad. He is survived by his wife, Keiko, a son and a daughter.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.