Raid leaves singer Ray feeling blue

Ray Charles was singing the blues last night after falling victim to thieves.

The blind American pianist, whose hits include Hit The Road Jack and Georgia On My Mind, lost sheet music and stage clothes when his road crew's van was stolen from outside their hotel in Castleton, Greater Manchester.

Ray, 70, who had earlier played Manchester's Nynex Arena with singer Van Morrison, was due to travel to London for a TV appearance.

A police spokesman said: "Mr Charles is most concerned."

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