James Brown, King of Soul
For me, Mr. Brown demonstrated the bravery and selflessness that exceeds what most Americans that have gained his stature and possition are willing to give. He came to my Camp (Casey) in Korea (X-mas 1967) when Bobby Hope was told it was to dangerous - Mr. Brown and Scatman Crouthers broke from Hope's "tour" and came anyway. Mr. Hope went to a safe area and envited the 2nd Div. (thats the patch we all see today ... that big indian on a shield).
Hope's tour of the 2nd made the National news ... Mr Brown's act in my "home" (the 7th) ... didn't.
Still. Never laughed, clapped or stood so much in my life.
Best show ever. Brown did his "cape act", Scatman did his thing (if you don't know who he is ... er, think "Heeeeeeeeeres Johnnny" - as in a King novel) - got to love 'em. Imagine a man willing to come within 12 miles of the DMZ in Korea when it was on full alert (and had been for over 6 weeks - which, unless you were there might not mean much). Imagine doing 3 shows over an 8 hour period and troops so greatful that only me and a few friends actually cheated to get in a second time. Then again, his music was pretty popular on the juke for .... well, as it has always been = forever.
Many of the guys went "south" to see the Bobby's show too, and raved about his humor. Bobby was a helluva a guy, he was always there for us ... his troops (us). But, Mr. Brown ... well, he took it a bit further. Mr. Brown didn't let people tell him where it was safe or not - maybe 'cause he wasn't a "national treasure". For me, I'ld take Mr. Brown over Mr. Bobby tomorrow. With the Scatman ... it's a give me.
Today, yesterday, and tomorrow ... he is the King of Soul. God rest his.
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