http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/25/james.brown.obit.ap/index.html
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured
"Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made
him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his
agent said. He was 73.
Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital on
Sunday and died around 1:45 a.m. Monday, said his agent, Frank Copsidas
of Intrigue Music. Longtime friend Charles Bobbit was by his side, he said.
Copsidas said Brown's family was being notified of his death and that
the cause was still uncertain. "We really don't know at this point what
he died of," he said.
Along with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and a handful of others, Brown was
one of the major musical influences of the past 50 years. At least one
generation idolized him, and sometimes openly copied him.
His rapid-footed dancing inspired Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson among
others. Songs such as David Bowie's "Fame," Prince's "Kiss," George
Clinton's "Atomic Dog" and Sly and the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple
Song" were clearly based on Brown's rhythms and vocal style.
