Wow. Mr. Brown practically invented modern funk and R&B. A great talent. His song's lyrics were usually simple, but that wasn't the point: you could (nearly had to) dance to the monstrous beats and grooves.
“James Brown - 20 All-Time Greatest Hits!” (James Brown)
James Brown, 73, Dies; ‘Godfather of Soul’ - New York Times James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured ''Godfather of Soul,'' whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his agent said. He was 73.Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45 a.m. Monday, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music.
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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.
I could probably sing you every note of the every song on the compilation referenced above (20 Greatest Hits), and in fact, if you happen to wander through my hallway today, you'll hear my pale parody of Mr. Brown's gutteral 'Hunh' as I sing along.
Check out this album too:
“In the Jungle Groove” (James Brown)
I am still teary eyed although James Brown lives on thru his art.
Just yesterday I was thinking of going to NYC to see him live at BB King's club.
My collection of James Brown is made in France. They seem to have good taste.