by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Threads: @stlmarlonwest IG: stlmarlonwest Bluesky: @marlonweststl.bsky.social Spotify: marlonwest)
Happy Music Monday!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend for folks.
Last week was the 93rd anniversary of James Brown’s birth. I realized that I have never done a playlist devoted solely to the music of The Godfather of Soul, The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, Mr. Dynamite, The Amazing Mr. “Please, Please” himself, James Brown. So it was time to remedy that situation.
Like so many artists, he was inspired by preachers in the Black church and started out singing in gospel quartets. James Brown transitioned into a secular soul singer though his live shows had the spirit of a church revival.
His flamboyant and theatrical moves, including falling on his knees, erupting into splits and half spins, and popping the mic to the floor and back, became signature moves and the stuff of legend.
He is an often-cited influence on the styles of Michael Jackson, Prince, Mick Jagger, Usher, Sharon Jones, Bruno Mars and others.
As the architect of Funk, Brown revolutionized music by focusing on “the One” – emphasizing the first beat of every measure. Tracks like “Cold Sweat” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” used interlocking, syncopated rhythms that laid the foundation of soul, disco, and hip-hop.
James Brown is the world’s most sampled artist. I have not included any of the plethora of songs where he’s sampled. “Funky Drummer,” featuring a break by drummer Clyde Stubblefield, has provided the rhythmic DNA for thousands of hip-hop and pop recordings. That could be a playlist for another Music Monday.
Here is a collection of essential tracks by Soul Brother No. 1. I’ve gathered tracks from across James Brown’s impactful career, spanning more than half a century. Please enjoy and I’ll return with more tasty tunes next month.
Until such time, stay safe, sane, and kind.
