Black In Business

It has been a few weeks since I heard of the death of a international icon. I was on the beach in Antigua and the locals and the Europeans were as sad as me. My family and I were some of the few Americans but it was the talk of the Island. Former US President Jerry Ford’s death was acknowledged, but Mr. Browns death was talked about and brought back memories. I was surprised, how well the white Brits knew the music of Mr. Brown.

 Let us not forget, James Brown was a star but also was a strong businessman. At one time Mr. Brown owned radio stations, motels and other holdings. Not too many years back, Mr Brown  cut a deal for a 50 million   dollar loan. He backed up the loan with his book of music. Mr Brown took care of business

I paid my respect to Mr. Brown by playing his music on the day of his funeral and shouting out “I Feel Good!” His music has been a part of so many memories it was fitting for his funeral be filled with music that was hot!hot! hot!

I heard of James before I heard of anyone in music. I still remember the TNT show of Black music stars. This was a movie with the biggest stars of the day. It was in the 60’s and Mr. Brown stlole the show, by ripping off his cape and refusing to leave the stage all the time Screaming “Please, Please, Please”

My favorite James song, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag,” if you never heard it, check it out.

I remember, my cousin Paul’sl Funeral when we returned to the house for soul food and drinks, James Brown’s music was blasting because he was Paul”s favorite artist.

Mark Willig, was one of my mangement team when I was a national sales manager, His way of announcing to me a new deal was to first play, James Brown, “I feel good!”

My old college football teamate and roomate, Larry Onley, from Baltimore, section, Cheery Hills, loved the Big Payback. Larry would play that day and night.

My last coporate job provided me with the startling discovery, some white folks did not like James Brown. I often would leave motivational quotes on my voice mail answer. The sales reps loved it and so did the customers. Some one in mangement did not like it . The message was strong but Mr. Brown was just too black in style. I was asked to not have his quote because he had been arrested and did not represent corporate values. I quess, Elvis would have been ok. It was not long after I decided to leave Corporate Express. If they could not handle James Brown’s quote, how could they handle me?

Well Mr. Brown, well done in life. I will “Get up on the Good Foot” in 07. “Say It Loud, I’m black and I’m proud”