James Brown, has died at the age of 73
December 25, 2006
The “Godfather of Soul” James Brown, has died at the age of 73
He was admitted to hospital in Atlanta after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia but died at 0145 local time (0645 GMT)
The star was famous for hits including I Got You (I Feel Good), Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag and Living in America.
“He is such an influence, I learned so much from him,” Mr Copsidas the legends agent told the BBC
long with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and a handful of others, Brown was one of the major musical influences of the past 50 years. At least one generation idolised him and sometimes openly copied him.
His rapid-footed dancing inspired Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, among others.
Songs such as David Bowie’s Fame, Prince’s Kiss, George Clinton’s Atomic Dog and Sly and the Family Stone’s Sing a Simple Song were clearly based on Brown’s rhythms and vocal style.
If Brown’s claim to the invention of soul can be challenged by fans of Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, then his rights to the genres of rap, disco and funk are beyond question. He was to rhythm and dance music what Dylan was to lyrics: the unchallenged popular innovator.
Brown leaves his fourth wife Tommie Raye Hynie, whom he remarried in 2004. The couple had a son, James Jr, and Brown also has five children from his first two marriages
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