James Brown has died. He was the Godfather of Soul. It’s a helluva title and no one disputes it.
It is claimed, his gesture of appearing live and unscheduled on Boston TV the night of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, saved that city from rioting.
In more recent times there have been ugly mug shots, some jail time and other outward signs of a life out-of-control.
Here’s what I’ll remember most:
James Brown
Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can’t do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won’t do you no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can’t do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love can’t do me no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, well I got you
Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, ’cause I got you
So good, so good, ’cause I got you
So good, so good, ’cause I got you
Hey!
—
One of James’ signature moves was to collapse on stage as his band continued to play. After a few seconds James would slowly, shakily, rise and with a cape thrown over his shoulders, be led off stage.
He never made it all the way to the wings!
At some point James would spring erect, throwing off the cape and brushing away any assistance. The crowd would go wild.
I wish it could happen one more time.