Christmas 2006
I hope everyone is enjoying this Chrismahannukwanzikah season with their families, the relatively warm if slightly wet weather, and the general happiness of a day off work.
So it’s with a heavy heart that I regret to inform you that one of the icons of 20th century music, “the Godfather of Soul”, James Brown, passed away today at Crawford Long hospital.
He was 73 and, despite some of his transgressions over the past decade, he left an indelible mark on this world.
His final words: “I’m going away tonight.”
He will be missed, especially every time TBS or WGN play Blues Brothers.
Here’s what he had to say about Elvis:
“I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. He said I was good and I said he was good; we never argued about that. Elvis was a hard worker, dedicated, and God loved him. Last time I saw him was at Graceland. We sang Old Blind Barnabus together, a gospel song. I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother.”
He’s visiting Elvis right now.
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Et Cetera.
Remembering James Brown for the Blues Brothers is like remembering Elvis for his stamp. He was an amazing musician whose records and performances changed music forever and still sound amazing.
Forget Belushi and Ackroyd. Play “Get On The Good Foot” loud.
My apologies.
I also remember James Brown for his stirring rendition of “Dooley’s Junkyard Dawgs”.
I’m a child of the 80’s and I remember (fondly) his performances in movies.
I’ll make sure to check out his back catalog.
And c’mon. It was Christmas, the man had just passed and I didn’t want to let it go unmentioned.
Thankfully for our commenters we’ve all learned something.