Jackson Free Press

Brotha Hustle: "Welcome to my street-corner tribute to the late, great musician, singer, songwriter and performer Mr. James Brown. Many of you know about his musical achievements and influence.

"I, however, recall my granddaddy Hustle's story about how 'The Hardest Working Man in Show Business' charismatic influence helped quench riots during the 1960s—a time of tension, turmoil and retaliation, as black folk across this nation fought for their rights to acquire life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while law enforcement officers gave them lefts and rights with night sticks in the daylight. Granddaddy Hustle said 'The Godfather of Soul' became the 'voice of reason' on black radio shows when he urged the black masses to stop destroying businesses and property in their communities. When the masses curbed their behavior, Brown received much love from the white property owners and the government. This story is one aspect of the legacy of 'Soul Brother Number One'—a musician who encouraged disenfranchised African Americans to say it loud: 'I'm black, and I'm proud!'

"Aunt Tee Tee and I rigged a PA system on this street corner to give people an opportunity to verbally pay tribute to James Brown. So, enjoy a refreshing bottle of ice-cold Juicy Juice, stay on the scene, get on up, approach the microphone and give a shout-out to James Brown, our late and great 'Soul Brother Number One.'"

Note: This column is dedicated to another '"Soul Brother Number One," Mr. David Brian Williams, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2006. R.I.P.

Previous Comments

ID

74263

Comment

Thanks Ken. Indeed, the white property owners and the guvment thanked James. Then the guvment said "I wonder how much money that n_____ is making, and whether he's paying us all he owes us, 'cause the hardest working man in show bizness ought to have much bank, and should be giving us most of it." It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that the streets and whore-houses where James was forced to grow up, and musicians James idolized hadn't taught James to give the guvment most (or any) of his income. Sadly or gladly, I imagine they all said ____ the guvment. Long live James Brown in hs 24 carat gold casket. I can't wait to visit Augusta, GA and see the shrine of our Elvis. Get up. Get up. Get on the scene. Can I count it off?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-01-03T18:30:07-06:00

ID

74264

Comment

I saw Tammi Rae, the alleged wife, on Larry King last night. She's clearly a drunk, drug addict, and golddigger. James must have used the wrong brain or head to pick her. Worse she has no singing talent at all as evidenced by her singing at one of his funeral. Personally I would have left the funeral to keep from hearing that. I saw more tearless crying from her than I've ever seen before in anybody. James Brown's lawyer said the marriage was annuled because Tammy Rae was married to someone else when she married James Brown. The lawyer also said James asked that a blood test be performed on the child after his death. It appears James knew Tammy Rae was a skeezer. It was also reported that Tammy Rae badmouthed James very badly in the press of London long before James died, including talking about his lack of "sex machine" capabilities in his old age, despite his hit record by the same name. How low down!. No wonder Revern Al is treating her like an ugly step-child. However, I learned from watching the show that James' children intend to make a shrine or monument to him similar to Graceland. I can't wait to "get on the good foot" and see it. Amen.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-01-04T10:00:10-06:00

ID

74265

Comment

Who is David Brian Williams who you mention in your article, passed away on December 22, 2006. His name sounds familiar to me, maybe from my days at Jackson State University. I hope he's not the one I knew when I attended.

Author

BBarnes

Date

2007-01-05T15:00:40-06:00

ID

74266

Comment

He was a manager or the manager of the PEG network in Jackson. He was credited with helping design it and putting his heart and soul into it while he lived. He was a poet, lawyer, producer, sound technican and many other things. A very bright, capable and loved individual. And he wasn't seeking attention which account for lots of people not knowing who he was.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-01-05T16:01:05-06:00

ID

74267

Comment

But, SAW IT LOUD.........

Author

justjess

Date

2007-01-08T12:53:11-06:00