James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, has prostate cancer. :-(

[NightTrain]

http://news.scotsman.com/music.cfm?id=1416482004

JAMES Brown, the Godfather of Soul and a legend in rap, rock and funk, has announced he has prostate cancer.

In a statement released yesterday morning, Brown, 71, said that he would undergo surgery for the illness on Wednesday.

"I have overcome a lot of things in my life. I will overcome this as well," he said.

Brown, best known for seminal hits including "I Got You (I Feel Good)," "Please, Please, Please," and "Cold Sweat," is also a diabetic. Dubbed the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, he finished a two-week Canadian tour on Thursday.

He is credited with pioneering the use of rhythm to create the funk sound that would later lead to the birth of hip-hop, the musical style that has now become a global phenomenon.

Brown is expected to spend three weeks recovering from the surgery.

Never a man for the quiet life, earlier this year he faced other troubles when he was charged with domestic abuse after a now-resolved altercation with his wife.

Brown is due to release an autobiography next month. Besides promoting the project with appearances, he still plans a tour of Asia and Australia early next year.

[DrWeird]

1. I'm sure he'll be alright.

Everytime you think there's something wrong with James Brown, as soon as you touch him he jumps up and finishes the song.

[gmoney]

2. Saw him perform live 10+ years ago, and he was A-mazing!

Even though the arena was only about 15% full, James gave it 110% with an amazing show with all the hits. The security was keeping people from dancing in front of the stage, until finally "Cold Sweat" kicked in and all the semi-funky white folks in the front rows rushed the stage and filled the dance floor for the rest of the show.

Managed to talk to one of the horn players after the show, and even HE was impressed... "We NEVER play that long, but he just kept calling for the next number." Easily two hours with encores... probably a 10 piece band plus four "Solid Gold" women dancers who were hot, yet tasteful. :)

One of the top two or three concert experiences of my life, and James was at least 60 at the time. I'd been warned that he'd slowed down, and lost his voice, and did a lot of obscure numbers, but at least that night, he was loud and proud, played almost nothing but hits, looked good, sounded great, and even still had a lot of moves that would make Prince blush.

I hope he's able to recover from this, and that it gives him the perspective to keep out of trouble and live up to his legacy.

Light candle for the Godfather of Soul.