Dean's World

I've been moved by the celebration of the life's work of James Brown this week.

Like a lot of entertainers, his personal life was far from perfect. But as an artist it's hard to overestimate his influence over popular music and his importance to the black community--and to Americans of all colors.

More right here.

I had a friend tell me not long ago that James Brown was a "one-trick pony."

I said, "Yeah whatever. You find a trick you do that good, you come talk to me about it. OOOOOW!"

By the way, did any other regular pop and R&B chart-topper of the 1970s work with a classic big band like that?

Also: Where can I get me some shoes like that?

(More here.)