Charles’ album of duets, recorded in the final months of his life, was the clear sentimental favorite. It won album of the year and best pop album; the song “Here We Go Again,” with Norah Jones, won record of the year and best pop collaboration with vocals.

“I’m going to cry, actually,” Jones said as she accepted the trophy for record of the year. “I think it just shows how wonderful music can be. It’s at a hundred percent with Ray Charles.”

Other winners included Alicia Keys and Usher, each nominated for eight Grammys. Keys won four while Usher had three. They shared one award, for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals for their No. 1 duet, “My Boo.”

U2 won three awards, including best rock performance by a duo or group. Green Day, the most nominated rock act with six for their politically charged punk opera American Idiot, won best rock album.

“Rock ‘n’ roll can be dangerous and fun at the same time, so thanks a lot,” Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong said as he accepted the award.

Keys had a chance to win more than any other woman in one evening. In 2002 Keys won five Grammys for her debut album, Songs in A Minor, becoming only the second woman to win that many in one night. (Lauryn Hill won five in 1999; Jones matched Hill and Keys’ feat in 2003.)

John Mayer was one of the artists who prevented a record-tying night by Keys, as his mellow tribute “Daughters” won song of the year.