JAMES BROWN AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE - FEB 28, 1992 - AND CURTIS STIGERS - PHOTO.

I remember seeing the “Godfather of Soul” perform in NYC at the old Paramount theatre on Broadway and his stage presence was dynamic bringing down the house. Certainly his influence on today’s rap and rollers is far-reaching. Even his exit on Christmas day was consistent with the dramatic life he led.

For Brown it wasn’t black or white; his music transcended color. When I talked to him a number of years ago James Brown unashamedly credited God for his musical gifts.

Life’s been an interesting journey for you, hasn’t it?

James Brown: For any human being… I’m glad God has enlightened me as I go. I’ve been one chosen by God to go throughout the world. Of the well-known top five men in the world, I am somewhere in that number. Eighty percent of music today has the style of James Brown, not Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms…

You put yourself in the same category?

Brown: No, whatever category God puts me in. They’re musical geniuses. Thank God for people who can use their influence for the betterment of society and humanity, and that’s what I’m about. I’ve never forgotten where I came from or what I’ve come from.

How long has that experience been a reality of your life?

Brown: [It was a] reality since I was born but practicing and preaching is important. I realize my popularity is from God… I pray three and four times a day.

Was there a point when you felt a greater need for the Lord than previously?

Brown: When I was separated from my second marriage, I felt then I should get closer to God because I knew that God was my friend. I went through five to six and half years of thinking.

When did you first start to sing?

Brown: I first started dancing. I sang and preached as a little boy. In 1939, my father only made four dollars a week. He couldn’t pay the rent. We had 22 people living at home. We went out and tap danced for the soldiers, and we paid the rent.