Stars unchain their hearts

Three months after Ray Charles’ death it’s still hard to imagine a pop music world without the Genius of Soul. His wide-ranging effect on the shape of pop, soul, R&B;, rock and country music over the last half century is evident in the genre- and generation-spanning lineup for Friday’s tribute concert. Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Al Green, B.B. King, Elton John, Usher, Reba McEntire, Mary J. Blige, Quincy Jones and actor Jamie Foxx, who portrays Charles in the forthcoming biographical film “Ray,” are slated to be among the dozens onstage at Staples Center saluting the singer and his music. Proceeds benefit the Ray Charles Robinson Foundation for Hearing Disorders. The concert will be taped for a scheduled Oct. 22 broadcast on CBS.

“Genius: A Night for Ray Charles,” Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Friday. $45-$75. (213) 742-7340.