James Brown, RIP

Jeff Taylor | December 25, 2006

Christmas is less merry with the news that the Godfather of Soul is gone at age 73.

James Brown was, well, James Brown. He built the rhythmic foundation for modern popular music. Brown is among a handful of artists who crossed back-and-forth between genres without selling out along the way.

Brown was so influential that he even made Al Gore dance. I saw it with my own two eyes at Wolf Trap in the early 90s when JB shamed the VP into leaving his box seat and joining Brown on stage. Gore attempted to bring the funk, but not even the Godfather could find Al's good foot.

So at some point today, be sure to get up offa that thing and try to release some pressure. JB would want it that way.