Urban Unrest

25 December 2006 | Politics | Ernesto Aguilar

I can write very little that others haven’t written already about the passing of James Brown.

I was up at the time the news was announced and, like you, was stunned. In addition to being a pioneering artist, social commentator and performer, James Brown transformed radio as we know it – from being not merely just a delivery of music, but something that transformed and influenced popular culture across class and race for generations. While others might be remembered as bigger stars, no one will be able to say they were nearly as influential to pop music. James Brown will be missed, truly.

Democracy Now! on James Brown

WFMU’s 2001 Christmas tribute to JB

NYT on JB [reg. req.]

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