Good God! James Brown Dead at 73

Soul singer James Brown often described as the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business” and the “Godfather of Soul” died this morning in an Atlanta area hospital after being admitted yesterday, Christmas Eve. Mr. Brown has been credited with being a founding influence on rap, funk and unfortunately even disco. Despite the difficulties that he had in his personal life he had done a masterful job of reinvigorating his career during the last few years. This despite his age and the fact that he works in a business notoriously geared toward the young. Rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy once said that “James presented obviously the best grooves”. Brown also provided the anthem for black empowerment during the ‘60s with his 1968 hit “Say It Out Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”

This nine-plus minute film (that may eventually be linked to above, I am having “issues” with You Tube this morning) was an excellent vehicle for another come back for the Godfather of Soul. The film is part of a series of shorts that were produced for BMW to profile their then new (2003) Z4 sports car.

RIP James Brown