June 18, 2004

Boise State Radio to Broadcast Ray Charles' Funeral, Memorial Service

Boise State Radio stations will broadcast the funeral and memorial service of music great Ray Charles. The funeral and service will be heard live from the First AME Church in Los Angeles at 11 a.m. Friday, June 18, on NPR News 91. The service will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19, on KBSU and at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 20, on Idaho’s Jazz Station. NPR’s Renee Montagne and NPR commentator John Ridley will host the coverage. Among the guests speaking and/or performing on the program are: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Rep. Julian Bond, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Billy Preston, Glen Campbell, Clint Eastwood, Susaye Green, and the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir. According to Jim East, associate general manager for network programming and administration at Boise State Radio, Charles was a true legend in the music world. His life and music served as an inspiration to millions. Added East, “Ray Charles displayed a musical dexterity that is largely unrivaled among contemporary musicians. His passing is a loss to everyone who loves his music and his example of living life to its fullest.” NPR News 91 is heard on KBSX 91.5 FM, Boise; KBSY 88.5 FM, Burley; KBSJ 91.3 FM, Jackpot, NV; and KBSQ 90.7 FM, McCall. KBSU, Arts and Cultural Programming is heard on 90.3 FM, Boise and 91.7 FM, McCall. Idaho’s Jazz Station is heard on 730 KBSU-AM, Boise; 1450 KEZJ-AM Twin Falls; and 89.9 FM, KBSK McCall. -30- Contact Jim East Associate General Manager, Network Programming Voice: 208 947-5659 Fax: 208 344-6631 jeast@boisestate.edu Media Contact Kathleen Craven News Services 208 426-3275 kcraven@boisestate.edu