Ray Charles' studio converted into library

Ray Charles' original Los Angeles studios is to be turned into a memorial library in the music legend's name with new equipment so musicians can compose songs at the site.

The studios, now a cultural landmark, were set to become a Ray Charles Museum, but the musician's foundation opted to make the site a library instead.

Groundbreaking for the renovations to the library will take place on January 25 and are expected to be completed early in 2008.

Charles' former manager Jay Adams said: "This building was Ray Charles' home for 40 years. For Ray, music was his life.

"He often said music was like blood in his veins and this library will be a tribute to the man, his beloved neighbourhood and to the world."

Charles died on 10 June 2004, at the age of 73.