( December 29, 2006) “The Godfather of Soul,” James Joseph Brown, Jr., 73, died on Dec. 25, 2006 at 1:45 am of congestive heart failure. Brown was hospitalized with pneumonia at the Emory Crawford Long Hospital the night before. The legend’s death took place a week before his scheduled performance on New Year’s Eve in Manhattan at B.B King’s blues club.

Brown was best known for his Grammy winning songs “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “Living in America.” Brown also won a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 1992. As stated by the Rev. Al Sharpton, Brown helped steer modern musical tastes toward rhythm-and-blues, funk, hip-hop, disco and rap.

Brown is scheduled to have two funeral services: one for the public and one private. The Public funeral will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006 at 1:00pm EST in an 8,500 seat arena. One of Brown’s close friends along with Reverend Al Sharpton will conduct the service. Brown’s private service is expected to be held for the family on Friday at an undisclosed location.