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JAMES BROWN-buried without eulogy?

Submitted by Ian Beaty on Fri, 2007-02-16 19:29.
Category: Editorial

so it's coming up on two months since the Godfather of Soul passed on, and I feel like we've seen relatively little tribute come forth given the man's genre-defining contributions to R&B, Soul and Funk (not to mention Hip Hop through the prevalence of JB samples) Really now, the Beatles may have achieved wider all-round creative output, but in terms of changing the sound of pop music- forging paths that countless others have followed in unashamedly copycat footsteps- is there anyone to compare with the godfather?

Does anyone else share this feeling that he was buried rather quickly?
Does anyone feel like given his record not as music innovator but as a dickhead of a human--abusive, violent (most unforgivably towards women), totalitarian in the leadership of his bands--he deserves to be forgotten as an individual while the fruits of his incredible musical output seem rather indelibly etched in the rhythmic backbone of pop?

By extension, what are the qualities we require of entertainers that should be commemorated, or memorialized after death? There's no doubt that while living, being "larger than life", or just having immense popularity seems to be enough. (see my humorous post about Justin Timberlake) But looking back on a life lived, is it contributions to the artistic realm or more humanist qualities that should determine how (and if) someone is remembered?

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Ian Beaty scattered applause
Written by Ian Beaty on Sun, 2007-02-18 01:56

I brought this issue up over pizza with some friends tonight and there was some agreement that Brown's post-humous fanfare may have been muted due to the well-known failings of his personal life. While the funeral was a big item and a big who's who affair, my friend Beastwood suggested that if Brown had been given his lifetime achievement award at Sunday's grammys, the applause may have been scattered as today's stars, no matter what their personal debt to his music, felt their careers were better off at a safe distance from the man. We came to no consensus on whether or not outstanding character and the achievements of one's (public) personal life should be required parts of such an award or not. Will the praises of Bono's voice and role with U2 by sung ten-fold in light of his work as a humanitarian?

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Stephen Abbott Reward the music, not the person
Written by Stephen Abbott on Mon, 2007-02-19 05:05

Ian, you raise a good point. Does one's character have an impact on their contribution to music?

Musicians (and "celebraties") are notorious for behaviour that wouldn't be tolerated for most of us. It creates the spotlight buzz, and it could be argued that that's what it takes to have the artistic vision and the power to express it. But when an artist crosses a line it changes everything, and it reveals a personality that needs help, not rewards.

I would like to think that I could sit down and have a beer with the artists I like. I want to believe that they are decent people who get to sing and play music for a living, and when given the chance they do the right thing. Once I discover that I wouldn't like them as a person, the music sours.

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