By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
The last days of the calendar year are usually a lull time in the entertainment industry, with most companies shut down in observance for the holidays and celebrity notables vacationing during downtime.
In 2006, the last week marked the demise of one of the most important figures in the music business with the Christmas Day death of The Godfather of Soul James Brown. (Read more about his death here.)
And even to my dismay, an outpouring of love and condolences have poured in to honor the man who is affectionately known as Soul Brother Number One.
King of Pop Michael Jackson (pictured right with Brown) said he was "extremely shocked and saddened" when he learned the news of his mentor and friend's death. "Words cannot adequately express the love and respect that I will always have for Mr. Brown. There has not been, and will never be another like him. He is irreplaceable."
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who often referred to Brown as her "King Of Soul," said, "James was truly an original, and a work of art, as rare and as valuable as any Rembrandt or Picasso. Loved by so many, of course he will be missed by all!"
"Without a doubt, [he] was truly one of the most exciting and thrilling performers to watch in R&B history, if not the most thrilling visual performer," she said from her home in Detroit. "He had an impact on every continent and everybody knew who James Brown was."
"If you didn't have any soul he would definitely give you some," Franklin added, "You were gonna move whenever his music came on!"
Keeping in that sentiment, the legendary Dick Clark called James Brown "one of a kind."
"James was one of the most popular and yet controversial singers of our time," the television veteran shared with The BV Newswire today. "Audiences of all ages loved him....Other entertainers borrowed his moves...To watch James perform on the stage was a moment you would always remember."
Pop music giant Pat Boone, shocked like millions of people, recently released the opus 'Pat Boone R&B Classics -- We Are Family,' which featured Brown in a newly-recorded version of his classic "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag."
"My friend James Brown was a comet, blazing across the night sky for 50 years," Boone, who was known to take underground R&B songs and re-record them for mainstream radio, said in a statement. "Thankfully, we can still enjoy the brilliance long after the star burns out. I'll forever treasure the private time we shared in Augusta when we recorded one of his classics together; he was deeper and more spiritual than many realized. I'm looking forward to our next meeting."
"His unique style, persona and array of groundbreaking recordings have influenced musicians and music fans worldwide, offered Neil Portnow, President of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS). "We were proud to have him grace the Grammy stage only two years ago where he continued to show why he always will be remembered as The Godfather of Soul. James Brown's legacy will be with us forever."
Usher, who performed with Brown during the 2005 Grammy celebration, proclaimed that he "was not only the Godfather of Soul, he was the Godfather to the entire music industry...the greatest."
"Having personally taught me how to get on the "good foot" I'll never forget our performances together," the R&B crooner added. "All these memories will live on in my heart forever."
"James Brown was no less important than The Beatles or Bob Dylan in shaping the direction of popular music after World War II," Dr. Jason King, the Artistic Director at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music of New York University said. "Akin to musical deity, JB's dazzling showmanship and ultra-sophisticated musicianship elevated soul and created the template for funk, which in turn became the backbone for hip-hop. Without JB, there'd be no Michael Jackson, no Fela Kuti, no Public Enemy, no D'Angelo, no Justin Timberlake, no Usher, no Timbaland and no Dr. Dre. And even that's understating his influence."
"I had the opportunity to meet him and present a award to him this year with Al Shaprton, Jesse Jackson and others," commented chart-topping rapper Nas. "I spoke in front of hundreds in his honor. I looked directly at him. He smiled while I told him how I used his music with mine and how much he's done for us and how I love him. I'm lucky to have had that moment, shook his hand. He was pure greatness."
The platinum-plated West coast hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg said that though Brown will be missed, his "music and his legacy will live on through me, in everyway you can imagine."
"He was not only the Godfather of Soul, but the Godfather of Funk and Rap," Ice Cube said. "Music will never be the same."
"For half a century, the innovative talent of the "Godfather of Soul" enriched our culture and influenced generations of musician," President George W. Bush issued in a statement.
Brown was scheduled to perform at New York City's B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on New Year's Eve. This afternoon, the club's management confirmed to The BV Newswire that Chaka Khan has been announced as his replacement.
"There are few artists that have had the profound influence on music and culture as James Brown," the eight time Grammy Award winning diva said.
"He is THE Godfather that defines 'Legend.' His music and the spirit of his soul will be felt for generations to come. On the eve of a new year, I dedicate this show to celebrate his life, spirit and soul. James Brown we love you."
