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James Brown Dead at 73

abc.net.au

The legendary innovator and icon died early Christmas morning after being hospitalized for pneumonia in Atlanta. When it comes to his influence on American culture, the “Godfather of Soul” said it best himself: “Disco is James Brown, hip-hop is James Brown, rap is James Brown. You know what I’m saying?”

AP:

Along with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and a handful of others, Brown was one of the major musical influences of the past 50 years. At least one generation idolized him, and sometimes openly copied him. His rapid-footed dancing inspired Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, among others. Songs such as David Bowie’s “Fame,” Prince’s “Kiss,” George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” and Sly and the Family Stone’s “Sing a Simple Song” were clearly based on Brown’s rhythms and vocal style.

If Brown’s claim to the invention of soul can be challenged by fans of Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, then his rights to the genres of rap, disco and funk are beyond question. He was to rhythm and dance music what Dylan was to lyrics: the unchallenged popular innovator.

“James presented obviously the best grooves,” rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy once told the Associated Press. “To this day, there has been no one near as funky. No one’s coming even close.”

Brown’s classic singles include “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “Out of Sight,” “(Get Up I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud,” a landmark 1968 statement of racial pride.

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By jasmine, February 2, 2007 at 12:21 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

well my loved you so very much and we will miss you

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By Lamar Cole, December 27, 2006 at 8:49 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

James Brown was a great soul music singing legend and the foundation upon which soul music was built.

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By Dan, December 26, 2006 at 5:50 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

He was a real performer, I watched him as a kid and thought how far out he was!! R.I.P. James

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By Hemi, December 26, 2006 at 1:19 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Bum - bum - bum - bum - BUM!!!

Aaaaaaah FEEEEEEEEEL Bad!

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By Michael, December 26, 2006 at 3:10 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

My tribute:

JAMES BROWN IS DEAD: HIS BEST VIDEOS

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By djconnor, December 26, 2006 at 1:51 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

He will be missed.

James Brown Tribute Mix

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By melemel, December 26, 2006 at 1:39 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

I will always remember sitting at the Circle Star for James’ come back “Living in America” tour, he was fresh out of jail and still dropping to the floor to his knees, red, white and blue bikini clad back up singers and Macio wailing away… the Godfater had no peer.

Can I get a witness???

Peace out and thanks for the butt shakin good times…

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By Manny, December 25, 2006 at 7:07 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Few men can rival the excellence of Mr. James Brown. Yes his life had its ups and downs but his music towered all over America. White America tried to ignore him but his music was a class of its own. In time America realized that Mr. Brown belonged to all of us.

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By Spinder, December 25, 2006 at 6:13 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

lol who cares? just another celebrity dies and he like steve irwin will be forgotten about.

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By leftdog, December 25, 2006 at 3:36 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Here is an excerpt of an editorial that appeared in Billboard Magazine in 1968 - days following the riots that occured in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King:

Hail, James Brown
Billboard Magazine Editorial
April 27, 1968
Amid the looting and rioting in Washington., Brown came to the people and told a live television audience, “Get off the streets. Go home. Nothing can be gained by looting and burning, only sorrow and misery.” A few hours later, those who were not at home to see Brown make an appeal, were at home watching the continuous rebroadcast of Browns plea. Washington and the rioters withdrew into their homes taking the advice of James Brown, who is not a politician but a singer. Brown went to Washington at his own expense just as he went to Boston and other riot torn cities…

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By Quy Tran, December 25, 2006 at 2:32 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

Just rest in peace ! No more FRIENDS or FOES!

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By Socrates, December 25, 2006 at 10:06 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

“To this day, there has been no one near as funky. No ones coming even close.”

And nobody ever will.

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By James Brown Fan, December 25, 2006 at 9:24 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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