When I heard of Ronald Reagan's passing, it saddened me slightly because I was barely involved in anything the president did. I had my own problems, what would grieving over someone I barely knew do?
Then today as I watching TV, a news flash came on (text at the bottom) telling of Ray Charles dying today. This saddened me a lot more, because he is among the piano players of today which I idolize.
Him, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, and BY ALL MEANS the late John Lennon even inspired my musical interest.