'Godfather of Soul' James Brown Dies

James Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006)
(AP Photo / Dita Alangkara)

If you haven't heard yet, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you.

James Brown (Wikipedia), the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his agent said. He was 73.

Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45 a.m. Monday, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music. Longtime friend Charles Bobbit was by his side, he said.

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