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Hi Kathleen,
Of course, we acknowledge everyone who was born
on December 25th. It is a special day around the
world, and hopefully a precursor for for peaceful
days ahead.
Thank you for mentioning James Brown, "The Godfather
of Soul". I am a little too young to remember him in
his heyday, but from a historical perspective, Brown
belongs with Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and
The Beatles. A true innovator whose genius was only
matched by his work ethic. He definitely earned the
title, "Hardest Working Man in Show Business".
James Brown was the starting point for funk, disco, and even rap music. Everyone from Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Sly and the Family Stone, and Public Enemy borrowed and sampled from his repertoire. The entire
music industry owes him a great debt of gratitude.
Sadly, he will not perform in New York City on New Year's Eve. Nor will he be in my town Montreal on January 3rd as was scheduled.
We may remember him for "Living in America" and a number of party tunes. However, James Brown was
also a civil rights activist, and his "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud," was a wake-up call that
was much needed.
The man had style, and I salute his accomplishments.
Rahul
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