Some sad news to report over the Christmas holiday. If you haven’t already heard, James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” died early Monday in Atlanta. He was 73. Brown went to a dentist last week, who noticed him coughing and recommended he see a doctor. He was admitted on Saturday with severe pneumonia and passed away on Christmas morning.

“He’s the godfather of hip-hop and rap, the father of funk,” said his manager Frank Copsidas, adding Brown would be buried in Augusta, Georgia. He was due to perform in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Brown had more than 119 charting singles and recorded over 50 albums, was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and received a lifetime Grammy in 1992. His biggest hits included “Please, Please, Please,” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine),” and “It’s a Man’s World.”

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Music has lost a legend. R.I.P.