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As the Fats Waller centennial approaches, Tom Vitale looks back at a remarkable career in both jazz and popular music. Waller — of "Ain't Misbehavin'" fame — was the first musician to be equally successful among black and white audiences.

American musical icon Ray Charles died of complications from liver disease Thursday at his Beverly Hills home. In a career that lasted more than half a century, Charles defied categorization and brought his soulful stylings to jazz, pop, country and R&B.

This week Koko Taylor became the first female blues singer to received receive a National Heritage Fellowship. We take a moment to listen to her song "Spellbound."

The Tavis Smiley Show producer Roy Hurst speaks with renowned vibraphonist Stefon Harris. The jazz musician's latest CD, a collaboration with a group of sidemen called Blackout, is called Evolution.

The Yongblood Brass Band plays an infectious blend of Dixieland, soul, rock and hip-hop. NPR's Michele Norris talks to members of the group and they perform in Studio 4A.

Day to Day music critic Christian Bordal reviews Give, the latest CD from the modern jazz trio The Bad Plus.

Legendary musician Ray Charles died Thursday at age 73. In honor of his great life and legacy, The Tavis Smiley Show is presenting a two-part tribute to Ray Charles. In 2002, Charles did his last NPR interview with NPR's Tavis Smiley. This is the first part of that conversation -- the second will follow on Monday.

Blues and gospel legend Ray Charles has died at the age of 73. Charles won the Grammy 12 times. His songs "Hit the Road, Jack," "What'd I Say" and "Georgia on My Mind" have become American classics. NPR's Felix Contreras offers an appreciation of the musician.

NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with Dan Kuramoto and his musical partner, June Kuramoto, about growing up Japanese in East Los Angeles. The Kuramotos' group, Hiroshima, has enjoyed a 30-year career in jazz. Their latest CD is called The Bridge.

The Cuban jazz legend says he likes to let his trumpet do the talking... sometimes in a whisper, sometimes making a "big noise like no one else."