RIP ~ James Brown (1933-2006)

‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown Dies
By HARRY R. WEBER
AP

ATLANTA (Dec. 25) – James Brown , the undeniable “Godfather of Soul,” told friends from his hospital bed that he was looking forward to performing on New Year’s Eve, even though he was ill with pneumonia. His heart gave out a few hours later, on Christmas morning.

The pompadoured dynamo whose classic singles include “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” died Monday of heart failure, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music.

… One of the major musical influences of the past 50 years, Brown was to rhythm and dance music what Bob Dylan was to lyrics. From Mick Jagger to Michael Jackson , David Bowie to Public Enemy, his rapid-footed dancing, hard-charging beats and heartfelt yet often unintelligible vocals changed the musical landscape. He was one of the first artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with Elvis Presley , Chuck Berry and other founding fathers.

… Brown won a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 1992, as well as Grammys in 1965 for “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” (best R&B recording) and for “Living In America” in 1987 (best R&B vocal performance, male.)

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