James Brown died this morning at 73 after being hospitalized with pneumonia in Atlanta. He was one of the greatest bandleaders, performers, and tastemakers in modern music. As he put it: “Disco is James Brown, hip-hop is James Brown, rap is James Brown; you know what I’m saying?”

The man had run-ins with the law, drug problems and health issues in recent decades, but his death came suddenly and early. His website lists tour dates that were scheduled to begin December 27 in Waterbury, CT, and included gigs through August 2007.

Last week, Bugs Burnett interviewed the Godfather of Soul for Hour Magazine, previewing Brown’s planned January Canadian tour. Read the interview. Also check out Jonathan Lethem’s June 2006 interview with him for Rolling Stone. Listen to audio. Read article.

Have yourself a Soulful Christmas.

Click here to stream James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas.” Also, “Christmas in Heaven.”