Today, December 25th, means different things to different people.  To many, including myself, it will now forever be the anniversary of the passing of one of music's greatest artist's ever: James Brown aka The Godfather of Soul, aka The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.  Exactly one year ago today, Dec 25 2006, James Brown died at age 73 from congestive heart failure resulting from complications of pneumonia.  And that shocking news, which spread fast and kept getting retold over that whole holiday week last year, put a damper on the festivities for many of us.


So this December 25th I say spill a lil on the curb for James Brown in his honor or drink a toast to the man's memory.  And  be sure to listen to some of the incredible legacy he left behind.  What is amazing about the music of James Brown, and of course the stellar JB band (as witnessed in concert footage below from '71), is that it never ages or loses its edge or uplifting vibrancy. And I for one can literally listen to James Brown all day long and never get tired of it.

R.I.P. James Brown.    We will never forget you!