1 of 7
Some 1,500 invited guests packed LA's First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Friday to pay tribute to Ray Charles.

2 of 7
Big names from the American music world joined gospel singers to celebrate the life of the legendary singer.

3 of 7
Blues guitarist BB King described the late 73-year-old as "one of the greatest that has ever been".

4 of 7
Stevie Wonder, who is also blind, said Ray Charles' voice had "touched my heart".

5 of 7
Actor and friend Clint Eastwood paid tribute to the singer as a "great teacher".

6 of 7
Willie Nelson seemed overcome after singing a tear-jerking rendition of Georgia On My Mind.

7 of 7
Charles' cortege was due to pass in front of his former recording studio before travelling on for a private burial.