December 27, 2006

R.I.P. JAMES BROWN

 THE GODFATHER OF SOUL

Once in a lifetime, comes a person who, by nothing more than just the sheer love and dedication to his/her craft, becomes the standard that all others are measured with.  People like that are very rare. All they want to do is that one thing they know and love most; not for some unforeseen fame or fortune, but just for the pure passion for it.  They do it in a way that no one has ever done it before, without compromising their talent.  They don't lead or follow.  They just do their stuff.  Everything, eventually, and naturally will fall into place. James Brown was one of those people.

Before there ever was a Michael Jackson, an Elvis Presley, a Smokey Robinson, or someone like Marvin Gaye, there was James Brown.  Even back home in Ethiopia, James Brown was a household name in the 60's and 70's. There was even a fictional equivalent to his name, 'Demissie Berehanu'.  From old to young, rich to poor, everyone knew who James Brown was. 

Who as a kid, with a foolish aspiration to be an America Pop star, hasn't shouted the name ‘James Brown' after belting out that patented James Brown scream?   As a mother or father, what parent hasn't cursed the name James Brown after a fight with a rebellious son who was caught in the local shai bet listening to, ‘I feel good' or 'Hot Pants' by James Brown? What young man in the 70's has not worn those bellbottom pants and large lapelled colorful coats and tried that James Brown spin dance? 

James Brown has inspired many African musicians with the likes of Alemayehu Eshete, Fela Kuti and countless others.  He truly was the Godfather of Soul.  He will be sorely missed.

 

Posted by CHEREKA at 09:02:51 | Permanent Link | Comments (5) |
Comments
1 - Chereka- Thanks for your tribute for The Haaaaardest Working Man in Show Business. I was always amazed by his energy. He may have passed, but his inspiration and legacy will continue for many generations to come.

May he Rest in Peace. My thoughts & Prayers are with his family. (Comment this)

Written by: Mimi at 2006/12/27 - 13:14:25
2 - Well deserved obituary. Many African-Americans musicians never had it the way the present musicians had. They were entertaining the white folks but never been allowed to sleep in a prominent hotels in larger cities of the U.S. Mr. Brown let me say or sing it in the way you made me believe who I am.

Say it loud
I am black I am proud.

Thank you sir (Comment this)

Written by: Ketsela at 2006/12/27 - 14:00:08
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3 - Thanks Mimi and Ketsela, really appreciate it.

You know Mr K, my 4 year old heard 'Say it Loud, I'm black I'm Proud' once on the radio, and she would not stop singing it for a couple of days. I was like, you go girl! lol And yesterday, she was in her room and I was watching TV about James Brown's death and they played that song, and she came out running with the biggest smile on her face, bobbing her head and everything. lol I cracked up watching her. Thanks again. (Comment this)

Written by: Chereka at 2006/12/27 - 14:09:10
4 - Yah we do not have to grow up or live in the West to know Demise Berhanu! God rest his soul. he was indeed the hardest working man! he looked fit till the day he passed. 'I feel Good'!! that the one song I remember the most. I need to listen to I'm black I'm proud:) I have to admit I don’t know it. thank you chereka. (Comment this)

Written by: alem at 2006/12/27 - 20:22:53
5 - I still remember my friends and I as kids trying to imitate his dance footwork while singing "gid upa!".

Nice tribute and brings back lots of fun memories (Comment this)

Written by: Zenobia at 2007/01/01 - 12:57:05
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