Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - "I just do what I do." That's what Ray Charles told Billboard in June 2002 when asked to assess his role in music history. Of course, Charles' self-effacing response belies a ...

Ray Charles hated labels. He avoided calling the music he created any certain genre. He was pulling from gospel, jazz, rhythm & blues, pop, blues, country and western, soul, and boogie-woogie. Brother ...

Musical icon Quincy Jones died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family at 91. Jones, a 28-time Grammy winner, is renowned for his work with artists ...