James Brown (1933-2006), commonly referred to as "the Godfather of Soul" and "the Hardest Working Man in Show Business", was a singer recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music. He was renowned for his shouting vocals, feverish dancing and unique rhythmic style.
His song "Get Up Offa That Thing" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film Muppets from Space.
The instrumental song "Night Train" was the opening number on episode 206 of The Muppet Show.
References[]
- Roosevelt Franklin's dog, shown in The Sesame Street Family Album, is named Night Train; it shares its name with an instrumental R&B standard, recorded by Brown.
- A Sesame Street animated caricature of Brown is featured in a series of "Soul" alphabet skits.
- In the Abby's Flying Fairy School episode "The Cinderella Challenge", Abby and Gonnigan need a rhyme with "gown" to make one for Blogg. One rhyme they make is "James Brown", that gives Blogg a James Brown outfit and hair and he starts singing in Brown's style.
Song parodies[]
- Sesame Street Episode 4089: Miles sings "I Love Fruit" on American Fruit Stand.
- Sesame Street Live production Super Grover! Ready for Action includes a parody of "I Feel Good".
- Sesame Street Episode 4158: Papa Bear and Baby Bear sing "Papa Bear's Hug" (parody of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag").