Wednesday, December 27, 2006
This week saw the passing of two great Americans: President Gerald Ford and legendary entertainer James Brown.One would be hard pressed to find two men more different than Ford and Brown.
Ford was the Midwestern with an Ivy League pedigree. Brown was from the Deep South and was a cultural hero to the African American underclass. Ford was reserved and a team player. Brown was flamboyant and thrilled at making his own rules. Ford was groomed for leadership and easily took his place in society. Brown created his own unique path to greatness.
What's also amazing is that after long careers in their respective professions, they both hit their climax at about the same time: in a broiling and careening America.
Brown entertained audiences with a full-throttled and unapologetic Black Soul. He grapped the American Dream and made it his own--something that had been denied so many others. Brown's success made clear that a true "Soul Brother" could make it in America without compromising his identity. It in '70s, after Brown signed with Polydor Records, that many believe Brown made his best music. He record "Hot Pants" in 1971 and it became the #1 R&B hit. That triumph was quickly followed by "The Payback" (1973); "Papa Don't Take No Mess" and "Stoned to the Bone" (1974); "Funky President (People It's Bad)" (1975); and "Get Up Offa That Thing" (1976).
Ironically, Gerald Ford's moment also came in the early 70's when he was catapulted into national prominence by the demise of the Nixon presidency. Ford was first appointed Vice President in 1973 following resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew. Just a year later in 1974 Ford assumed the presidency upon the resignation of President Richard Nixon, becoming America's first and only unelected Vice President and President.
These words have been attributed to Ford upon assuming the U.S. Presidency:"I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances.... This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts.
"While some heavily Ford for pardoning Nixon at the time, most now agree that he brought stability and a dignified presence to the White House during those years of national chaos.James Brown and Gerald Ford: Two Americans whose lives and their achievements define a period of great flux in America.May they rest in peace.
Posted by USTaino
No comments:
Post a Comment