James Brown, who along with a handful of others, created the music we know of as soul, died this morning. It lends an air of sadness to a Christmas morning spent watching my niece and nephews opening gifts.
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.
Chuck D, the great rapper from Public Enemy, said it best:
“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.”
Rest in peace, Godfather.
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
The Blog of South Brunswick
Hank Kalet 