GODFATHER OF SOUL DIES

James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, the hardest working man in show business, died eary Christmas morning at the age of 73.

Frank Copsidas of Intrique Music, Browns agent, said that Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crowford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45am Monday morning. The cause of death is still unknown at this time.

Brown was born May 3, 1933 in Macon Georgia. He leaves behind hus companion Rolonda; kids: Deanna, Terry, Daryl, Venisha and Yamma. Brown ranks #2 of all time with hit records behind Elvis Presly. He is #1 in R&B hits with over 116 charted his during hits career. He won a Grammy award for lifetime achievement in 1992, as well as Grammys in 1965 for "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (best R&B recording) and for "Living In America" in 1987 (best R&B vocal performance, male.) He was one of the initial artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, along with Presley, Chuck Berry and other founding fathers.

President George Bush released the following statement after hearing of Brown's death. "Laura and I are saddened by the death of James Brown. For half a century, the innovative talent of the "Godfather of Soul" enriched our culture and influenced generations of musicians. An American original, his fans came from all walks of life and backgrounds. James Brown's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas."

Brown was scheduled for two performances on New Years Eve in New York at the B.B. King Blues Club.