I am sitting here trying to explain the relevance of this man... This giant... It's hard...

James Brown was more than a talented singer and performer. He was an icon. He was a symbol. As a child in the early 1960's, I remember watching JB with pride. He was a black man who was not afraid of his sexuality. He was proud, dynamic and forceful at a time when Black men were not supposed to be. He was also a powerful model of success, the first major black star to have his own plane, and he was ostentatious... Like many of my generation, I remember sitting in front of the television with my family and watching Brown on one of his many Ed Sullivan or American Bandstand appearances. Brown was as much of a source of pride for blacks as Martin Luther King, and probably had MORE influence on the youth. From clothing styles to hairstyles... James Brown's influence was obvious on anyone who walked down an urban street in the 60's.

Many of today's artist owe their heritage to Brown. Anyone who has watched Michael Jackson or Prince on stage, and is old enough to remember Brown, can see his influence. His music became anthems.... Sad that the above video cuts off before he finished the song... Man's world is a classic, and that appearance on American Bandstand is a classic.

This appearance is a bit later, but no less classic... Enjoy...

He was the King of Soul, though he chose the more modest title of "Godfather."

While he experienced legal troubles in his later life, he remained beloved around the world by his fans.

The AP has a great obituary today...

Hat tip to Michael at TMV for remembering another giant, who is no longer with us!

Rest in Peace JB!

A fitting Tribute - The blogsphere speaks:

Check out what these great bloggers are saying about James Brown: