My thoughts on…the death of James Brown
I was watching Smallville last night when a teaser for News at 11 flashed at the bottom of the screen. It informed me of James Brown’s death, which understandably took me by surprise. I stuck around for the news and switched to CNN after that. I saw his golden casket carried by horse-drawn carriage. Rather flashy, like the man on stage but unlike the man off it. His body was taken to the Apollo theater, the same place he made his debut nearly 50 years ago, giving fans the chance to pay their respects. Needless to say, his last show was a hit. James was a superb performer. Every aspect of his performance was energetic. his dancing, his beats, his singing, even his clothing was vibrant, all of which gained him fans worldwide.
But he did more than simply entertain the masses. His music was the anthem for the civil rights movement. African-Americans and blacks everywhere can say “I’m black and I’m proud” because of him, and because of this, many civil rights activists paid tribute to him alongside his fans, including Rev. Al Sharpton. His fast-paced beats have influenced many other musical genres such as hip-hop and rap. His style of performing has been emulated by many superstars such as Prince and Micheal Jackson. And despite his age, he was still entertaining audiences. Guess he wasn’t called “The Hardest Working Man in Showbiz” for nothing.
Along with Lou Rawls, black music has lost another icon this year. Or should I say music of African-American origin, because music is for everyone. (Tell that to the RIAA.) I worry about the fact that there’s no new talent to replace these musical greats. Everyone is either a rapper or into pop, and unlike artistes of old, they’re not motivated by the love of music, but the money and fame that comes with it. Goodbye James. The world will miss you.
So true about the now a days artists. No one is in it for the love of the music anymore. Soon, the stories great legends will die as the legends themselves die.
He was such a gifted trendsetter. OK, so Rick went, then ’twas rough enough to see Lou go, but Vandross — ouch! This post really is a genuine tribute to James (and to the other irreplaceables), Leon, Happy New Year!
Yeah, Happy New Year!
Yeah,he sure was a great one.RIP
Yep…the man was in a class all by himself. They doh mke them like that anymore. Though…akin to Reverend Al, I REALLY have a problem with black men who perm their hair!
Happy New Year, Leon.
amen…he was a great entertainer!
JB was also a very smart business man. He’s one of the few artists of that time who had the business sense to keep all his copyrights and demand top dollar. He owned many corporate buildings in Atlanta and left behind a hefty estate that this being picked over by all his crazy ex-wives!
For a man who literally came from nothing, spent time in jail and had no one to help him but his own talent and determination, he truly was great.