We cannot imagine modern music without James Brown. The singer with South Carolina origins paved the way for a musical revolution in the Sixties. He gave his songs a unique face with his earthy voice, crisp brass sections and emphasized rhythm. «Please, Please, Please» «Cold Sweat», «Sex Machine» and others of his numbers come across as simply hot-hot-hot. Brown, who exudes pure energy, forged a new black self-confidence with his appearance; many hip-hop-stars name him as a central influence. James Brown is considered the undisputed «Godfather of Soul» and «Minister of The New Super Heavy Funk». At his first performance in Basel he delivered a scorcher.

Lukas Müller