May 03, 2003|By Rashod D. Ollison | Rashod D. Ollison,SUN POP MUSIC CRITIC
James Brown.
The name conjures images of a man possessed by his own music - sweat dripping, conked hair fallen, feet shuffling to a relentless groove. Then there's the voice, a powerful instrument that can - in a heartbeat - go from a sensual, caramel-smooth whisper to a primal, cloud-moving scream. He's the Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Soul Brother No. 1 and on and on. In 40 years, Brown has amassed 116 R&B hits and 96 pop hits, placing him second behind Elvis with most charted singles.
Although some sources say he's 75, Brown insists that he turns 70 today. Whatever his age may be, Brown defies it with potent performances (though he can't get down like he used to) and lots of makeup, black hair dye and dental work. He's "pretty" in an old-school, macho sense.
Actually, Brown and another rock-soul legend, Little Richard, share similarities in their appearance. Both wear greasy black pencil in their eyebrows. Both sport processed hair and stage gear that incorporates just about every color you'll find in a bag of Skittles. But, of course, Little Richard is (and has always been) so flamingly flamboyant that you suck your teeth and turn the channel every time he pops on TV.
The Godfather ... well, we let him slide with his heavily made-up face and shiny bubble-like do, because somehow Brown makes the ultra perm, the butt-hugging suits and the thick cosmetics seem manly and dignified.
It's been a while since Brown had a brand new bag, but after all these years, he's still doin' it to death. Happy 70th (or whatever) birthday, James.
Godfather glossary
He couldn't buy a hit today if he wanted to, but no one will argue that James Brown is a pop trailblazer. But you may question what the heck Brown is saying in some of those classic hits. Here's our translation:
"Get up offa dat thang" ....
Do something with your life.
"Ain't no drag/papa's got a brand new abag" ...
Here's something fresh and exciting.
"It's a man's man's, man's world" ...
Men couldn't survive without women.
"I got the feelin'" ...
I'm inspired.
"Give it up or turn it loose" ...
Whatever's holding you back, give it up.
"Super bad" ...
I'm so swift, so smart, so stylish, I "wanna jump back and kiss myself."
"Get on the good foot" ...
Try something new.
"Papa don't take no mess" ...
Watch out, now! Don't bother me.
"Doin' it to death" ...
I'm doing this very well.
"I don't want nobody to give me nothing" ...
I am independent.
"Don't want no static" ...
Don't mess with me, I won't mess with you.
