CBS special celebrates ‘genius’ of Charles

Jamie Foxx is host of “Genius: A Night for Ray Charles” (8 p.m., CBS), which features performances by artists from country, soul, pop and rock, including Mary J. Blige, Kenny Chesney, Al Green, Elton John, Norah Jones, B.B. King and Reba McEntire.

Foxx stars in “Ray,” the upcoming feature-film biography of the acclaimed Ray Charles, who was born in poverty and became blind at age 7. Like other singers of his generation, including Elvis Presley, Charles was heavily influenced by the musical crosscurrents of the rural South. A spin on the radio dial would bring gospel, country, blues, swing, “hillbilly” music and other styles to receptive ears.

Tonight’s special will feature recollections from Charles’ friends and contemporaries, including Quincy Jones. Beloved songs to be performed on the show include “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “Night Time is the Right Time,” “I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” and “Unchain My Heart,” among others.

  • Have we really experienced eight seasons of “South Park”? To commemorate that milestone, Comedy Central asked fans to vote for their favorite 27 episodes. Those chosen few will air, in descending order, beginning tonight (8 p.m., Comedy Central) with episode picks 27 through 16. The “Park” marathon continues Saturday and Sunday nights at 8 p.m., and a new season of “South Park” begins next Wednesday.

Tonight’s other highlights

  • School politics gets ugly fast on “Joan of Arcadia” (7 p.m., CBS).
  • Patrick Duffy (“Dallas”) guest stars on “Reba” (8 p.m., WB). A repeat “Reba” follows.
  • Lucy Lawless (“Xena”) guest stars on “Less Than Perfect” (8:30 p.m., ABC).
  • The professional Bull Riding World Finals (8 p.m., Outdoor Life), live from Las Vegas.
  • A rapidly spreading disease leaves its victims blue in the face on “Medical Investigation” (9 p.m., NBC).
  • Scheduled on “20/20” (9 p.m., ABC): The tragic school siege in Beslan, Russia; an interview with Tommy Lee.

Late night

Amy Sedaris and Tommy Lee appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno chats with Ben Affleck and Phil Jackson on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC) … Kristen Bell and Jimmy Eat World appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m., ABC).

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Will Arnett and Rob Miles chat on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Guest host Jim Rome welcomes Simple Plan on “The Late, Late Show” (11:37 p.m., CBS).