James Brown - The Godfather, Gone

Christmas 2006 - The Day The Funk Stood Still

James Brown was - hands-down - one of the most important musical forces of the last 100 years in how he transformed the literal rhythm of popular music. The ways in which he introduced new forms of syncopation and polyrhythm into the gospel, blues and jazz training of his youth lead to a revolution in sound and style within soul music. Brown didn't invent funk (no single artist did) but he transformed the sound of popular music through his funk innovations. And of course, in the process, he also created scores of samples that, a generation later, would become the bedrock upon which hip-hop was built.

For me personally he's one of my top five all time musical performers. I can't tell you how many hours I've spent listening to his music, his attitude, his beat, and his funk. It was through his music that I discovered rap/hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and disco/dance music. Before James I was nothing more than a classic rocker listening to the same three chords over and over again. To put it simply - James Brown changed my life.

James Brown, the ‘Godfather of Soul’, Dies at 73 - NY Times Obit.

Listen / Download:
James Brown - You've Got To Have A Mother For Me
Prince - Sexy MF
Public Enemy - Fight The Power
James Brown - Licking Stick Licking Stick