One of the greatest singers and performers died this month. He not only revolutionized the way other singers performed, he revolutionized the way we dance in this country. His name was James Brown.
He was a master of the moves, had a seven piece horn section within a tight band, and brought a new level of showmanship to popular music. In 1962, James recorded "Live at the Apollo", a seminal album with songs that would blend into one another, wrap around and come out the other end. Beats would speed up and slow down at the drop of a hat. This quickly became one of my favorite albums and one I would share with everyone.
"Out of Sight", "I Feel Good", and "Papas Got a Brand New Bag", were just a few of the monster hits James Brown had in the middle '60s. In 1968, and not old enough to legally get into the place, I went to work as the host of a nightclub in North Bay Village, Miami. The Barn, also called the "House of Soul", had as a house-band Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders.
Coming from Macon Georgia, where James spent much time, Wayne emulated much of Jame's act up to and including the cape during "Please, Please, Please". The country was alive with soul music and none more vibrant than James Brown's.
There was a memorial for James at the Apollo Theatre which I really wanted to attend. I am only sorry that previous commitments kept me from being there. Whenever I do the Boogaloo or a side shuffle I think of him. He was as exciting a performer as we ever had.