Sid Feller Dies

Ray_charles">Ray Charles collaborator/arranger SID FELLER has died. He was 89.

Feller, who had a history of heart trouble, died on 16 February (06) at his home in Ohio, according to his daughter, DEBBIE FELLER GLASSMAN.

In 1959 Feller began his long musical relationship with Charles which produced the hits GEORGIA ON MY MIND and I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU.

Feller worked with stars including Jackie Gleason, PEGGY LEE, Dean Martin, MEL TORME and NANCY WILSON.

He was also the past president and treasurer of the National Academy of Recording Arts + Sciences.

In a 2002 interview with Billboard magazine, Charles said of Feller, "That's my angel. He... knew exactly what I wanted... (and) how to make them strings cry."

At a screening of the 2004 biographical movie RAY, Feller cried throughout the movie because he felt Jamie Foxx's Oscar-winning performance brought his friend back to life.

Feller is survived by his wife of 64 years, GERTRUDE, and four children.