James Brown, R.I.P.

(AP) James Brown, the undeniable "Godfather of Soul," told friends from his hospital bed that he was looking forward to performing on New Year's Eve, even though he was sick with pneumonia. His heart gave out a few hours later, on Christmas morning.

Brown, a pompadoured dynamo with a rough-edged voice and flashy footwork whose classic singles include "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)" died yesterday of heart failure, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music.