"The Hardest Working Man in Show Business" died today in Atlanta.
I was born in Atlanta in 1948, and though growing up white in the South in the 50's and 60's, my music was soul music. There were the Tempatations, The Four Tops, Smokey, Marvin Gaye, and all the rest of "soul" musicians, BUT there was only one person who transcended the cultural barriers for my age group, and that was James Brown.
To this day, whenever I hear a James Brown song, I CANNOT stay still. He will be missed for his music, his live performances, and also (if I may be so bold to try and speak for my black friends of a similar age) for his pride in his race. The man will be missed.
