For James Brown the magic of the One was a trade secret. The One had mystique and that was good for business. The One was the way to find yourself in music. In Africa, the One was means for drummers to come together. For James Brown, the powerful One was his heart, soul and strength. The One was up beat, putting him in touch with his past and then who he became. Also, it put him in charge of a culture for which he was king.

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The upbeat is rich and powerful, and the downbeat weak. By stepping up proud and becoming The One, you didn’t follow the passive. Power was the music as it was in life, the One.

R. J. Smith has given Soul Brothers and Funksters a fascinating look into the Godfather’s Life. James Brown’s amazing story is one through his trials, abuse and at times a celebration. The One is a masterful story of the most important musician during my growing up. R. J.’s book has given me a clearer understanding of Brown’s life which is the tool to understand the music in full and grasp to some degree how it was created.

The One is so well researched and expertly written the reader feels how close this book and JB became a part of R. J.’s inner being. A book that seems composed and driven not just by the subjects powerful force but one guided b y an inner spirit, a passion. R. J.’s passion is rewarded. It’s a wonderful biography where James Brown’s mystique is brought forth into reality. Hey, I’m glowing about The One. This book is born from will power and fire and smoke it is not.

Personally, my James Brown attraction began in my mid-teens. Driven by the great AM radion station WOKJ, my love for Soul Brother #1 grew. The recently built Jackson coliseum became my fortress for the southern post-chiltlin acts, largely out of Memphis. At fourteen, before I could drive, I maneuvered myself to a tag-a-long to catch Mr. What I Say Ray Charles and the Rayletts. During the Soul hey-day, Jackson exploded with black music. The likes of Sam and Dave, Joe Tex, Bobby Blue Bland, Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding and others. This was the era when white audience began to really open up to to black music. However, without question, the king pen appearances I experienced were of The One.

I believe it was the summer of 67 and 68 that the Godfather blessed his children. Both shows were marvelous and there was a time for cold sweat and we received the blessing. I welcome any comments or memories of these concert times. Give me a shout out if you attended either.

Lemuria is having a James Brown throw back as we celebrate R. J.’s The One. Please join us at 5:00 on Friday. Bring your stories and memorbilia. R. J. will share his take on our king as we spin vinyl and add our localism to honor Soul Brother #1.

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