WASHINGTON (AP) – A bunch of big recording artists will be in Washington this week to celebrate the musical legacy of the late Ray Charles. The White House says Usher, Demi Lovato, Andra Day and The Band Perry will be taking part in the Charles celebration. The performers will be around Wednesday to tape “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House.” The program is to be broadcast Friday on PBS stations nationwide. It’s the 16th such program held under President Barack Obama. The day of the taping, first lady Michelle Obama has planned a daytime workshop with some of the invited artists for more than 130 middle, high school and college students from around the country. Ray Charles died in June, 2004.
