Ray Charles

Music legend Ray Charles, best known for crossing all musical boundaries, died on Thursday at age 73.

Charles, who passed away at his home in California, had been suffering from a long fight with liver disease.

A memorial service for Charles will be held late next week at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles.

The piano-playing blind singer, who had such hits as "Hit the Road Jack," "Georgia on My Mind," and "What'd I Say," won 12 Grammy Awards.

Charles spent the last year off the road, so he could undergo a hip replacement. He had plans to resume touring next month, but scrapped those plans, according to Reuters.

He has a new album, "Genius Love Company," scheduled for release on August 31, consisting of duets with such singers as Norah Jones, James Taylor, Elton John, Diana Krall, and Van Morrison.

In October, Jamie Foxx will portray Charles in a movie simply titled "Ray" (originally titled "Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story").