A Great Soul and R&B Legend Gets Lost in the Shuffle Again

[Lancer]

It was Ray Charles's great misfortune to pass on 5 days after Ronald Reagan, thereby reducing the big send-off he got (and deserved) to split-screen programming or outright preemption. And now, James Brown's passing has been almost lost in this back-breaking news week with Pres. Ford's death and Saddam's hanging.

So sad not to see these two soul legends get the public farewells that were their due. It is something of a comfort, tha as my friend Randy says, "we'll always have their records." (Not to mention the T.A.M.I Show!)

RIP

[Divine Discontent]

1. yea, fear not....

Ray and James are thought about a lot more because of their music and adoration than Reagan and Ford, and who's going to think about a dictator a few years from now?


www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[Erika]

2. I watched the whole farewell (home going)

The music was the treat. Michael, Al, Jesse were all great. James Brown did much by saying I'm black and proud.

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

3. Do you get CNN?

I watched hours of the James Brown funeral.

[Lancer]

4. Well, I'm glad CNN gave James Brown his due.

I get CNN, but was away from TV all day today.

[Vodid]

5. Not around here...

Although I'm not watching much mainstream media these days, around New Orleans, I haven't heard much about, "what's his name...Oh, that Ford guy, yeah, he was president for awhile, right?" But James Brown, damn, he's important around here. And it got me to thinking...who's more important; who had the biggest influence on MY life? The easy answer to a simple question...The Godfather of Soul has given me hundreds of hours of listening ecstasy, and sweaty pleasures on the dancefloor...what did the other guy who died do for me? Nuthin'.