WASHINGTON, Dec 26: James Brown, a towering musical figure who as the “Godfather of Soul” shaped American rhythm-and-blues, funk and disco genres for a half-century, died in a Georgia hospital on Monday at the age of 73.

The singer, whose shouting, gospel-style singing and frenetic dancing made his stage shows legendary, died of complications from pneumonia, his agency Intrigue Music said.

Intrigue Music said the singer died at Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, at 1:45 am (0645 GMT) “from congestive heart failure as a result of pneumonia.” The self-proclaimed “Godfather of Soul” also was known as “Soul Brother Number One,” and “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” He continued to perform at least 100 shows a year and had been scheduled to headline a New Year’s Eve bash Sunday at the B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in New York.Brown was a giant who inspired generations of musicians, from Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Michael Jackson to rappers who heavily sampled his groove-driven music.

His powerful reach extended into US political and cultural life in the late 1960s.

In a White House statement, President George W. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were “saddened” by Brown’s death.

“For half a century, the innovative talent of the ‘Godfather of Soul’ enriched our culture and influenced generations of musicians,” Bush said in a statement.

“An American original, his fans came from all walks of life and backgrounds. James Brown’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas.” —AFP