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Post by HundredProofSam on Dec 25, 2006 20:48:29 GMT 6
James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul" has died at the age of 73. Brown's frenetic singing style and bold rhythms brought funk into the mainstream and influenced a new generation of black music.
The singer, who also called himself the hardest working man in showbusiness, had 119 chart singles and recorded over 50 records over a career that spanned more than half a century.
JAMES BROWN saying, "People are having problems and the ones that can solve them are you and I. We can only let the people, the governments know how we feel, but we have to start it by loving each other."
Brown emerged from a childhood of extreme poverty and petty crime, starting his career in jail. His hit "Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm proud" became a civil rights anthem during the turbulent 60's. In 1985 he won his first grammy.
More than anything, Brown was a showman, often changing outfits a dozen times during a show and dancing himself into a frenzy onstage.
His brushes with law continued .. in 1988 he was back behind bars for drugs and weapons offences after a high speed car chase with the police.
Rather poignantly the singer was filmed just a week ago handing out Christmas presents to children in Atlanta, Georgia.
James Brown is credited for bringing the word "funk" to the masses and is widely regarded as Godfather to the new generation of rap and hip hop.
I'm a huge fan of James Brown....a sad day.
peace
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