James Brown
Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:59 am
There are no words to accurately fit this man into a category. He personified the best of several styles and he created a new one that was light years ahead of anything else. His life was one of turmoil and sometimes trouble, but his humanity is what made him someone I always could understand and relate to. He has peace now. His influence was universal, and there are a lot of millionaires walking around who either copied or sampled his music and his vocals. He changed the world. As a musician playing in mixed bands, I cannot emphasize enough the impact that he had on me and my buddies, race never being an issue. Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, sure, but if we could take the multitudes of members who are enshrined in Cleveland and come up with an American Top 20, I'd put him in there at the top, along with Elvis, Jimi, Brother Ray, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Prince (He'll make it in there soon), Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Frank Zappa, The Band, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bob Dylan. I'm sure that WC1 list can be altered and changed according to our individual preferences...It's just great that we were here to witness James Brown's life and feel the thrill of his fantastic music when it was created and unleashed on the world. Thank you, James. You can rest now; mission accomplished here. WC1
http://www.godfatherofsoul.com/
http://www.godfatherofsoul.com/
great words WC... i read the news this morning... wish i would have seen the man live at least once.... jeeez