The three-hour audio special traces the life of the acclaimed late music great, who died on June 10, 2004, from liver cancer.
"We are pleased to share this very special audio documentary with our international audience," Hart told BlackVoices.com. "Ray Charles was loved and respected all over the world, and we are excited about keeping his musical legacy alive!"
'Ray Charles: The Music Lives On' features interviews, music and the words of the 'Georgia on My Mind' singer, all woven together into a compelling audio picture painted by Hart.
Notables like Jamie Foxx, Bonnie Raiit, Mary J. Blige, Quincy Jones, Usher, Regina King, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Willie Nelson and others are interviewed on the special, while Charles' endless catalog of hits are accented throughout.
"This special takes listeners into the heart of American music as composed by the late all-seeing blind man," explained Hart, before adding, "and all of those people traveling to Britain for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton should fly British Airways so they can enjoy this special!"
'Ray Charles: The Music Lives On' was produced and written by Hart and her husband, Philip Hart, for Hart Communications.
Hart, an award-winning multimedia veteran who has been featured on shows like 'Inside Edition,' E! Entertainment's 'The Gossip Show,' 'The Geraldo Rivera Show' and ABC's 'After the Oscars' with Roger Ebert, can be heard on radio weekdays hosting her syndicated entertainment show 'Hollywood Live With Tanya Hart' (American Urban Radio Networks).
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Music Stars From England
Made In England
Throughout the decades many artists from the United Kingdom have graced U.S. soil (and charts) with remarkable talent that managed to solidify their home country as a force to be reckoned with. From the 'Rocket Man' himself, Elton John to new found pop sensations Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse, England's music scene is more popular than ever. With that said, Blackvoices.com takes a glimpse at some of the music acts who caught our eye (and ears) of the years. Check them out.
AP
Stage Name: Seal
Real Name: Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide
Birthplace: London, England
Notable Songs: 'Kiss from a Rose,' 'Fly Like an Eagle,' ''Prayer for the Dying''
Factoid: One of Seal's most successful singles, 'Kiss from a Rose,' spent 45 weeks at the top of the U.S. adult contemporary charts.
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Stage Name: Amy Winehouse
Real Name: Amy Jade Winehouse
Birthplace: Southgate, London, England
Notable Songs: 'Rehab,' 'You Know I'm No Good,' 'Back to Black'
Factoid: Amy Winehouse's sophomore album, 'Back to Black,' became the highest charting debut album by a British female recording artist.
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Stage Name: Annie Lennox
Real Name: Annie Lennox
Birthplace: Aberdeen, Scotland
Notable Songs: 'Put a Little Love in Your Heart,' 'Why,' 'Precious'
Factoid: Following the disbandment of the Eurythmics in 1990, Annie Lennox had another 'Sweet Dream,' of her own with the release of her debut solo album, 'Diva.' The 1992 release sold more than 2 million copies in the United States and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
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Stage Name: Boy George
Real Name: George Alan O'Dowd
Birthplace: Eltham, London, England
Notable Songs: 'The Crying Game,' 'Same Thing in Reverse,' 'You Found Another Guy'
Factoid: Despite making a name for himself in the club scene early on in his career, Boy George managed to become one of the most in-demand DJs throughout the 1990s.
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Stage Name: Corrine Bailey Rae
Real Name: Corinne Jacqueline Bailey
Birthplace: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Notable Songs: 'Like a Star,' 'Put Your Records On,' 'Trouble Sleeping'
Factoid: While attending Leeds University, Corrine Bailey Rae took advantage of her musical surroundings at a local jazz club, where she was working at the time. She was inspired to write her own compositions.
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Stage Name: Craig David
Real Name: Craig Ashley David
Birthplace: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Notable Songs: 'Fill Me In,' '7 Days,' 'Walking Away'
Factoid: Despite winning three MOBO awards in 2000, David walked away empty handed at the Brit Awards, where he was nominated six times.
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Stage Name: Elton John
Real Name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight
Birthplace: London, England
Notable Songs: 'Bennie and the Jets,' 'Rocket Man,' 'I'm Still Standing'
Factoid: Known for his past drug addiction, Elton John was one of the many people to inspire Eminem to attend rehab.
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Stage Name: Estelle
Real Name: Estelle Fanta Swaray
Birthplace:Hammersmith, West London, England
Notable Songs: 'American Boy,' 'So Much Out the Way,' 'Wait a Minute' (Just a Touch)
Factoid: Before this London girl made a name for herself in the states, she released a series of mixtapes, titled 'Da Heat,' which led her to sign with John Legend's Homeschool label.
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Stage Name: Joss Stone
Real Name: Joscelyn Eve Stoker
Birthplace: Dover, England
Notable Songs: 'Fell in Love With a Boy,' 'Super Duper Love,' 'You Had Me'
Factoid: At the ripe age of 16, Joss Stone had intrigued audiences across the world. Her adult-like vocals also attracted the likes of Betty Wright and the Roots, who assisted the soul singer with her 2003 debut album, 'The Soul Sessions.'
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