Posted on 12/26/2006 7:02:49 AM PST by Mike Bates
December 26, 2006 -- There was perhaps no greater grief at "Soul Brother No. 1" James Brown's passing than that visible on the Rev. Al Sharpton's face.
"I never thought I'd live to see him die," Sharpton, a longtime close friend, said with tears in his eyes.
"There wouldn't have been a Michael Jackson or Prince or hip-hop if not for James Brown. He literally redefined us with one song: 'Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud.'
"He was like the father I never had and I was like the son he didn't have," Sharpton said before flying down to Atlanta to be with Brown's family.
In the rap world, artists noted the deep influence Brown had.
"To this day, there has been no one near as funky," said Public Enemy's Chuck D. "No one's coming even close."
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
What a cultural loss that would have been.
RIP, Brother James but Sharpton can shove it.
Yeah, I'd imagine a lot of people are disappointed Sharpton didn't go first.
Rev. Sharpton should not speak ill of the dead.
I believe he was ordained at about age 10. A most pious lad I'm sure.
I mildly enjoyed his music, but I do not share the high opnion of him that others do. Constantly having scrapes with the law and beating one's wife doesn't qualify you for greatness.
Dead at 73, a testimony to clean living.
The world would be musically poorer without De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B. And Rakim, Prince and Funkadelic.
And Michael Jackson did record one good album when he was 19 entitled Off The Wall which was completely indebted to Brown.
It's hardly Brown's fault that Jackson hasn't made a good record in 27 years or that Prince hasn't made a consistently good album in 19 years.
It's also not his fault that 99% of hip hop artists lack his verve, inerrant rhythmic instinct and work ethic.
Micheal Jackson is black? Regardless, if he's responsible for that freak, then he should have died 40 years ago.
I don't think that anyone is arguing that his addictions and arrests are qualifications for greatness.
I'm pretty sure they are talking about the records he made between 1965 and 1976.
As moths to a light, the fame hungry are drawn to the corpse of James Brown. A Democrat laundry list of those in their notorious hall of shame will be present, as well as Hollywood's beautiful and very important people. Stay tuned for the spectacle. A state funeral (in their minds) is coming. Bill and Hill will be tore up with grief, yet somehow in their sorrow, they will find a way to crack some one liners, to the adoration and sheer delight of the throngs in attendance... all done at center stage of course. Make up! Wardrobe! Action!
About $5 and a stamped, self adressed envelope. he certainly is no reverand. A bigot yes.
Separating the musical aspects of the Godfather of Soul from the other characteristics of James Brown's life, the world has lost a great musical influence.
On the other hand, I fervently hope James had the time and presence of mind to give his real soul to God before passing.
As well as
Lights! Camera! Reverend Al!
And Rev. Al was like the reprobate I never had.
LOL....I was thinking exactly the same thing. No doubt, we're going to hear some tale from slick's youth...probably about listening to JB while riding the back of the bus from one church burning to the next.
"Reverend Al" sounds like a lot like Jesse bemoaning the passing of Martin Luther Jr. Makes me wonder if Al had anything more than a near-brush with James Brown.
And eagerly listening to the Iowa caucus results on the radio.
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