Issue link: http://theflywire.uberflip.com/i/182166
+love notes Life has a rhythm that can't be stopped.The quickened pace staccato or the soft shoe slide, the slow stroll, the bop, two-step, drop it like it's hot, the waltz and dip ---no matter the agility and ease of the moves of the living, we've been told life is a dance. If you've been here long enough you know it's true. How well you adapt to that rhythm defines your survival. If you miss a step like Beyonce at her concert in Orlando, trip and tumble head first in front of witnesses do you jump up and keep it moving or do you stay down and wallow in shame? Beyonce's bounce back is another example of why she's on top but she wasn't the first with that tenacity and gift. James Brown, the real master of dance, was not only the most imitated, sampled and hard -working man in show business but a revolutionary. "Get on the Good Foot!" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" are two famous lyrics that ring in my head whenever I think of the life of the 'Godfather of Soul' James Brown. Two resounding statements that sum up the notorious career of the ultimate showstopper. His dance moves and style inspired many including superstar icons Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Prince, MC Hammer, Usher, Justin Timberlake and even young newcomers, Chris Brown and Omarion. The song "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" changed what a nation of Negroes and coloreds called themselves and I believe had the greatest impact on national pride than any contemporary song. It was the anthem of a movement. I hear the song and picture Afros picks, red,black and green silk t-shirts and sweat socks, and bumper stickers in my old Park Heights neighborhood on Edgecombe Circle. I also remember my Aunt Berniece talking about James Brown's radio station WEBB right here in Baltimore and my mom describing the two shows that happened at his sold-out concerts on Pennsylvania Avenue at the Royal Theatre. During his "cape-dropping" performance on stage there was a show in the audience where the bigger than life "queens" strutted their stuff, donned in regal gear. He was truly royalty in Baltimore. I didn't learn until later that he owned other radio stations and had fast food restaurants. An early enterprising example that most successful musicians follow today. He was a constant soundtrack in my life: hits on the radio, sampled in hip-hop, Saturday Night Live parodies, movies, books and the music track of many television commercials. But what serves as my biggest inspiration from Soul Brother #1 is how he handled his real-life challenges and mistakes. His work ethic, resilience and drive kept him going even amidst jail, substance, financial, legal, marital and family problems. This man could loose his footing, take a fall into a funky split, bounce back, spin around and get on the good foot----no matter what! Only death stopped the show and even then we all witnessed the longest grandstand before his final resting place. Like the Godfather of Soul, many of us face challenges every day and sometimes we can't keep up with today's rhythm. If you feel so off-beat that you're overwhelmed or have you already lost it and completely fallen to your knees. As long as you have breath in your body, it's never too late. Ask GOD to lift you up and then take that step forward... one beat, move, task, day at a time. Keep it moving and your spirit will be dancing in no time. Get on the good foot Social Butterfly The Flywire