The Godfather of Soul
Photo: Michael Schennum/AP – via AJC.com
Atlanta – Georgia – The World – will miss him. One of our own is gone
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. Thousands expected at Brown’s Augusta service [ AJC.com article here]
I friend of mine met James Brown at a local convenience store in Augusta, Georgia a good while back. He said to me, “I took a double take and took another double take and then I realized I was looking at James Brown actually walking into a convenience store. He was very cool. He took the time to stop and talk to me and we just stood for a moment and chatted about different things. It was so cool that I was talking to a music legend and he took the time to actually stand around and talk to me “.
Well, to me that says a lot. James Brown was a star, the Godfather of Soul, and just “a regular guy”.
“He had such a giving spirit and he was always willing to help,”Copenhaver said. [Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver]
I like that.
As a musician myself (no, I ain’t all that) I studied a lot of music legends in my day. James Brown was one of them. He had a very unique style. I learned a great deal about “style” listening to his recordings. I just wanted to say that I appreciate his music and that I know he’ll be missed by many. Like me. Thank you James.
Much better than my cursory, hastily-planned, poorly-executed, Rocky IV-referencing post on Christmas.
Thanks.
http://atlanta.metblogs.com/archives/2006/12/christmas_2006.phtml
Except for that whole wife-beating thing.
Just sayin’.
Style hell. The man CREATED styles. He was known for saying “Elvis and me, we’re the only American originals.” It’s true.
Seth, I read your post and then went away for a couple of days, came back and said, “wow, I need to post on James Brown”. it’s my fault for totally forgetting it was already done. Steve.
I met James Brown after a concert a few years before Elvis died. I was trying to make it in the music industry and told him I was having a hard time and was going to give it up. He just looked at me and laughed and said, “man, it’s the struggle that just might make your music better. Don’t quit, write more music.” He was right and I’ll aways remember him saying that. Peace James.
No worries, Steve. According to commenters on both of our posts neither of us truly captured the man or all aspects of his legacy. And that’s why we have open comments.
RIP James Brown, one of the true greats.
And I’m sorry to do this here, but does anyone know if the Atlanta tower has closed it’s doors, or if it’s still clearing inventory? Thanks.
Georgia Soul has been running some related JB coverate as well, including a goodbye, a feature on a JB Soundalike from GA, and a gospel 45 by JB and Al Sharpton…. http://georgiasoul.blogspot.com