My Tribute To James Brown

[RingMaster2001]

James Brown: 1933 - 2006

In terms of influencing 20th century music globally, James Brown is most probably only equal to Elvis Presley.

He was the most sampled artist of the 20th century. 110 hit singles in a career spanning 50 years. None of his contemporaries, not even Aretha Franklin nor Elvis Presley himself have managed to compare themselves to James Brown.

From Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, to It's A Man's World, Brown wrote all his own music, composed all his own music, and performed all his own music. He continued the big band ideals of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, but expanded it.

Michael Jackson said at James Brown's funeral that he was his 'biggest inspiration', and that is beyond doubt. From Jackson's wild videos, unorthodox and perfected dance routines, to his singing and appearance, each of it was straight from the James Brown Book of Performing.

Like all people, Brown wasn't perfect. Whilst he was imprisoned twice in his lifetime, for threatening to kill a man with a shotgun, to allegedly beating his wife (one of many), one thing that could not be faulted, was his music.

Even as late as this year, James Brown performed in front of 80,000 people in Dublin, Ireland at a concert, and last year, headlined the final Live 8 Concert, showing the respect that many modern day artists hold hold him in. His most recent tour of 2006 was met with rave reviews, at the grand old age of 73, thoroughly deserving of the title "The hardest working man in showbusiness".

He was also not worried to help artists on the road to stardom. Whether it was Aretha Franklin in the late 50s, or as recent as Joss Stone and Will Young, he did so with style, and grace.

Although he is known as "The Godfather of Soul", without James Brown there would not have been soul music, no R&B, and no rap. He was an icon to a whole generation, and what is probably the greatest tribute to him, is that it has never been considered out of date or out of touch, to like his music.

Rest in Peace, James Brown you will be missed.

[Spectre]

Very Nice Tribute To James Ming.

RIP James Brown.

[CanaMatt]

Very Nice Tribute To James Ming.

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No you fuck ass, its james brown, not james ming.