December 25, 2006
Legendary Singer James Brown Dies at 73
The “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, passed away early Christmas morning after being admitted to Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Christmas Eve day for pneumonia. He was 73 years old.
Brown died with his close friend, Charles Bobbit, at his side, according to his agent Frank Copsidas.
The legendary singer's death comes just as Eddie Murphy plays a feverishly dancing, smooth-talking James Brown-type in the new movie “Dreamgirls.”
Brown is survived by his fourth wife Tomi Rae, whom he wed in 2002 (and remarried in 2004 after a brief annulment). They have one child, son James Jr.
"He was dramatic to the end – dying on Christmas Day," the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a friend of Brown's since 1955, told the AP. "Almost a dramatic, poetic moment. He'll be all over the news all over the world today. He would have it no other way."
You can be sure “Extra” will bring you all the details on the legend's passing and Hollywood's farewell on Tuesday.
