The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, Is Dead

He was known by many names, attached to him by his loyal fans - from Godfather of Soul to the Hardest Working Man in Showbiz. He was also famous for his legal troubles and fiery temper. Now, he will be remembered only for his powerful influence in all genres, the energy that seemed to consume him and his audience every time he walked up on a stage and the beautiful music that he made all throughout his long career.

James Brown died early Monday morning from heart failure, at the age of 73. The legendary singer had been hospitalized in Atlanta for pneumonia prior to passing away and one of the friends that stood by him until the final hour, Charles Bobbit, said that he was aware what waited for him.

Other friends told the media that Brown was anxious to perform on New Year's Eve, but Bobbit's statement contradicts theirs. '"I'm going away tonight", he said but I didn't believe him', the friend was quoted as saying. A couple of hours later, the man who single-handedly shaped the music that we all get to hear today, sighed, closed his eyes and was gone.

Artists from all over the world expressed their regret for such a tragic loss, both of a talented artist and of a wonderful human being. Despite having one of the longest rap sheets in showbiz and of being constantly in the attention of the media for all the wrong reasons (ranging from shotgun incident, assault, gunpoint rape, possession of illegal substances, domestic violence and battery and outrageous comments), his fans now accept and embrace the fact that his only message was love.

'People already know his history, but I would like for them to know he was a man who preached love from the stage. His thing was "I never saw a person that I didn't love". He was a true humanitarian who loved his country.', Bobbit said about his friend.

In people's minds, James Brown will always remain that artist who went with his music beyond the music mainstream, touching their hearts on a more profound and personal level. He will be missed. Rest in peace.