Charles' arranger Sid Feller dies at 89

ORANGE VILLAGE, Ohio, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Producer/arranger Sid Feller, who helped create the Ray Charles hits "Georgia on My Mind" and "I Can't Stop Loving You," has died in Ohio at age 89.

Feller died Feb. 16 at his home in Orange Village, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday.

Feller's musical collaboration with Charles began in 1959 and lasted 30 years.

Feller began his career in 1951 at Capitol Records, arranging music for Jackie Gleason. He went on to work with Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Paul Anka, guitarist Charlie Byrd and Woody Herman's big band.

One of his few writing credits was "You Can't Say No in Acapulco," which was in the 1963 Elvis Presley movie "Fun in Acapulco."

He arranged music for NBC's "The Flip Wilson Show" from 1970-1974 and also worked with Nancy Wilson and Eddie Fisher.

Feller retired in the late 1980s and, in failing health, moved to Ohio with his wife to live near their daughter, the Times said.

Feller was credited as producer on eight of the 17 songs in the 2004 film, "Ray," which he said had him in tears throughout because actor Jamie Foxx brought his friend back to life, the Times said.

Feller's baton and a photo of him and Charles are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, a son, a brother and five grandchildren.