Unexpected and unwelcome Christmas news yesterday morning with the passing of James Brown. That he had been admitted to an Atlanta hospital was on the news on Sunday, but there was no indication that his condition was any worse than a case of pneumonia. So it came as quite a surprise to me to hear that he had died. I can't say that James was a big influence on me musically (which is very clear if you ever see/hear me trying to play a slap-funk bass guitar), but I love his music. And his moves! Even as he aged he had moves that men half his age only wished they could pull off--and poseurs like Usher will imitate but never duplicate.
The years I lived in Augusta, Georgia were interesting around the holidays. It was no secret where James Brown's house was, and the large piece of property surrounded by an extensive chain-link fence was a dead giveaway if you didn't know. Early each December during the time I lived in the town we always made it a point to drive by his house, which was decorated elaborately for Christmas. The African-American Santa Claus and choir boy decorations were the highlight. Ah, good times.
So rest in peace, James, and hopefully you're in a better place bustin' out a killer version of "Sex Machine" for St. Peter. Take it to the bridge!
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