James Brown 5/3/33 – 12/25/06
Unfortunately I don’t have the time right now to put into words what a great loss the passing of James Brown is. If I could point my finger at five musicians who truly changed the way I (nevermind the world!) listened to and appreciated music then JB would undoubtedly be in that five. In fact, despite his overwhelming influence on my life I’ve been unable to ever post about him, his catalogue going beyond well known into an accepted part of people’s lives.
Hopefully time will permit me to post up a few of my personal favourite Godfather moments over the next few days but for now, in case you haven’t seen it, check out Oliver’s initial tribute to the man over at Soul Sides which is on point as ever.
As Oliver mentions, it’s times like this that you turn to YouTube. If I could pick one clip straight from the heart it would have to be this one. In a mere 30 seconds worth of Brown in his prime you get a sense of the sheer power and magical momentum this man had.
R.I.P. to a true legend.
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Let's not forget that many of the members of the JB's are still alive. The sinew of the funk.
For instance, EarFuzz reviewed the music of Richard "Kush" Griffith – the trumpeter from the JB's…
http://myspace.com/kushfunk
I saw The Man live at Princeton University of all places. '95 or '96. Glad I did. The place was so packed full of people (of all races and socio-economic backgrounds… he did bridge some gaps – universal music) – I had to watch his reflection dance in a clear basketball backboard (stage was high) for the most part. Goddamn. Of all the monorails in the world, I want to ride on the JB's. RIP.
DOIN IT TO DEATH
(for james brown)
death
youÂ’re too late
heÂ’s already sizzled stages
across every single state
splitting to the floor
with a cold sweat scream
slamming to his knees
t h e n
back up & spinning
shouting
please please please please
he funked a nation
a n d
heÂ’s already done it
to you too
youÂ’re too late
death