Merry Christmas...


Today last year, 'the Godfather' James Brown left, but he also left behind greatness. Over 100 charting hit singles, amazing performances and breathing moves. JB is everywhere as you can see it in performers today, weather it be a solo star or a big band, his imprint is made.


James Brown was born in 1933 into poverty. Growing up in Georgia, he worked odd jibs, dropped out of school and earned hard time in prison. After getting his sentence reduced, he became a changed young man and met up with the late Bobby Byrd a young'n he had befriended outside the prison fences in 1952. Byrd's family took him in and he let him joined hi gospel group which latter turned secular and now called the Famous Flames. In the group, each member would sing and dance and also play instruments, Brown the drums and Bobby the piano. The Famous Flames were, by 1955, one of the hottest unsigned acts in the Georgia ear. Early that next year they were signed to Federal/King records and recorded their first smash, "Please, Please, Please", the rest is history...


By the late 50's James Brown and the Famous Flames (the groups billing) had hit's which included "I Want You So Bad and their first number one, 1958's "Try Me." By 1960, they fully arrived, they were headlining shows on the chitin' circuit that included the Regal Theater, uptown Theater, Howard Theater and the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. They also hit the charts with a bang, four charted hit singles, their biggest being "Think" a sign of things to come...


Well, that sign included Funk. Even before Funk, he was already somewhat a legend. He was already christened “Mr. Dynamite” and :the Hardest Working Man in Show Business” and billboard named him the top star of 1962. Signs of Funk were popping up in the James Brown Band ever since 1962. Hits like "Night Train" "Signed, Sealed and Delivered" and the very important "I've Got Money" from late 1962. The first true funk record may have came in 1964, with "Out of Sight" not on King but the Smash label as JB was having issues with King at the time. He was actually signed to labels at once, releasing material simultaneously for both. While "Out of Sight" may have been the first, "Papa's Got a Brand new Bag" the next year really got everyone's attention, the rest is history...


JAMES BROWN

Incredible, revolutionary artist. RIP

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since JB passed away, I'll be blastin the Godfathers music all day today!!!

Abdul said:

Yo better, or I'll come to yo crib and put it on for you!

...It looks like the Xmas season has become deadly for the Great Ones.



tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

ummmmm

I know that this thread died a quick death, but for every James Brown fan it's a must to check it out: http://prince.org/msg/8/256054