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Usher To Portray James Brown In Godfather Biopic?
by admin ·
The Godfather of Soul hasn’t even been buried yet, but the James Brown legacy machine is already in full frenzy. Not only has Spike Lee already been signed on to direct said Godfather’s biopic, Usher has reportedly shown interest in starring as Brown.
Despite Ush’s hit run in the Broadway musical Chicago, we don’t think Lee would allow the sexy crooner to play anything more than a young Brown (our vote’s for a seasoned film actor like Eddie Murphy). However, there’s no denying the bond forged between Ush and Brown.
After all, Brown dubbed him “The Godson Of Soul” after the two did a duet performance at the 2005 Grammys.
“It couldn’t have been more of a pleasure to be recognized by James Brown,” Ush said. “James Brown introduced me to soul. Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be. I learned showmanship from him.”
Recalling how Brown showed up on time for the Grammy rehearsal, something, according to Ush, newschool performers rarely do, the 28 year-old entertainer said “Mr. Brown was in a class by himself.”
“Man, when he called me the ‘Godson of Soul,’ I damn near fell out backstage,” he continued. “Truth be told, I was so excited while on stage that I didn’t even know that he gave me that name. It wasn’t until I was backstage in my dressing room and someone from my staff told me he named me that. Then I actually saw a replay of the awards show.”
The last time the “father” and “son” saw each other was at the latter’s benefit concert for families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita back in October 2005.
“The last time we spoke was at my Project Restart event at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta,” Usher says. “He was so happy to be a part of my Gulf Coast relief project. His support showed me so much about his character. James Brown was a giver. James Brown earned his name as the hardest working man in show business. ‘Mr. Dynamite.’ ‘The Godfather of Soul.’ I will miss him.”
A living legend in her own right Chaka Khan will entertain approximately 1,400 fans who bought tickets to see the late James Brown perform at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City.
