The embodies professionalism and exudes confidence. Ray Charles came to me five years prior to his passing by my good friend Tony. Our first experience was one of mutual respect and a love of music. Ray went out of his way to have me take care of all of his commercial and photographic needs. He was that way with everything in his life, do well by him and he'll always do well by you.

Ray was especially appreciative during each of our shoots together as I took the time to personally take him for a tour and touch each set piece. He said no one else in his life took the effort to allow him to feel the location and help him visualize what was being used to make each set work.

I am proud to say Ray and I became close friends, he was able to recognize my voice even before I entered his space. He loved to touch my wife Amanda's arm just like in the movie "Ray". For me, Ray will always be remembered for being one cool dude. He was never difficult and always loved to tell a great story while sipping Dom. I even got to jam with him for my birthday ‚Ä" talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity.