Some people die at the most inopportune times. Sure, dying on Christmas day is a tough blow to family and friends, but dying the day before an American president pretty much insures your tributes will be buried on page 2.
In his twilight years, James Brown was best known for his legal troubles, chemical dependency, and… well… more legal troubles. But when you put on his old music… that guy rocked. He was bad ass. Super bad. I don’t care if you’re white or black, young or old, when “I Feel Good” comes on the radio, you groove. Jump back. Wanna kiss myself. OWWWWW!
I’ll mourn the loss of an artist over the loss of a politician any day of the week. But two things are really bumming me out right now. First, that the United States media will focus on Gerald Ford’s three years in office instead of an American legend’s many decades in music, and second, I have a cold and I come in and out of clarity thanks to swelling sinuses taking on antihistamines.
If James Brown ever haunts the Apollo, call me. I’m there.
Jeff, we actually had a Death Trifecta last week: Gerald Ford, James Brown and Saddam Hussein. Can you believe how it always happens in 3s?
I know! I wrote this before they announced Saddam… only further diminishing the legacy of the Godfather of Soul.