Hard Work

It's James Brown's birthday--should be a national holiday.  By chance, I just read a new biography of the Godfather of Soul, The One, and I'd call it great even if the author, R. J. Smith, weren't a friend.

Brown was an amazing performer/bandleader/songwriter/innovator, but also often comes across as a fairly screwed up guy.  He had a strong will and huge ego, which helps explain his rise, but also his problems.

Born in the South during the Depression, he faced horrible poverty and racism growing up, and he never completely left those rough days behind.  Even after he made it, there was violence, drugs and prison time.  Also, of course, there was a lot of money (most of which ran through his fingers) and countless women.

Smith, a long-time music journalist, is not only good with the artistic angle, but places Brown's life in the context of his times, where he was often as big a political figure as an entertainer.

As an artist, there was no one like him--whole genres of music are based on some of his singles.  And he kept changing as he went along, so it's hard to pick even a few songs to represent him.  But here are some of my favorites: