The Godfather of Soul was the name that they gave to James Joseph Brown a gospel singer from Toccoa, Georgia. In the late 1950s Brown transitioned from his gospel roots to the newer funkier sound of R & B/Soul.
Famous for his energetic performances and tireless dance moves, he began a career that lasted over 50 years until his passing in 2006. Brown would expend so much energy on stage that he dripped with perspiration. One of his most notable acts included the routine where he would feign total exhaustion and drop to his knees. At that point one of his band members would bring out a cape to cover him and attempt to usher him off stage. After a few seconds, a suddenly resurgent Brown would jump to his feet, throw off the cape to continue the act to the delight of the fans.
His success is chronicled by his portfolio of recordings, 17 of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. He was included as one of the first inductees to the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. He is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranked him 7th on their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
One of my favorite James Brown performances was his portrayal of the Reverend Cleophus James in the comedy movie The Blues Brothers. Where Brown parodied a church leader with a stirring gospel that breaks out into a wild song and dance routine.
Today's song is one of Brown’s most popular, I Got You (I Feel Good), which reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
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