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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCHARLES, Ray, choral director(b Charles Raymond Offenberg, 13 September 1918, Chicago; d 6 April 2015) Singer, composer, arranger, conductor. Leader of the Ray Charles Singers. His charming, accurate tenor voice was often heard solo, as on 'My Dream Concerto' with Percy Faith in 1949. His easy listening arrangements made successful LPs on several labels including Decca, MGM, Command. The group had a USA no. 3 hit single in 1964 with 'Love Me With All Your Heart'. He had a long career in television, e.g. as music director of family TV shows including Perry Como in the USA (he had accompanied Como on many of his RCA recordings) and Val Doonican in the UK. |