Music Legend James Brown Passes Away

It's a very tough Christmas morning today, with the sad passing of Soul music great, James Brown. After at least 5 decades on influence on music, James Brown, cast an indelible stamp on music and remains one of the greatest performers of all time. His vastly energetic style, his sheer cool factor, helped to make him one one of the most enduring and respected figures in American music despite some personal and legal setback problems.

Brown spent this weekend giving toys to poor children , and had many future gigs set for the coming weeks, including a New Year's gig. But after not feeling well, checked into a hospital and soon passed away from illness possiby pneumonia.

Brown's songs may not have always had the catchy hooks that every slick top 40 song had, but always had a deliberate but sometimes subdued energy and inventive coolness, and willingness to seek out a new creative style. In fact many of his songs often lacked broad commercial appeal, yet overall he rated as one of the most popular singles and albums artists of all time, right after Elvis. Despite songs often without the commercial slickness of many transitory artists that came and went, Brown managed to continue healthy record sales quietly among loyal legions of fans all races. Even White R&B influenced acts like The Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger seemed influenced by both the stage presense and R&B music stylings of Brown.

Brown managed to leave a great and deep imprint on American music. A true legend. An irreplaceable talent. A great, great performer that will be deeply missed. At this point no real artist stands to leave as much influence on music as James Brown has done. An amazing life to say the very least.