We all know James Brown... but very few know Bobby Byrd was cardinal Chief Architect and composer to first establish what is known as FUNK, which James Brown adopted, and eventually claimed.
Both Bobby and James worked as equal partners in the early 50's where James charisma and showmanship was the complete element, which strengthened the entire package know as FUNK.
Vicki Byrd (the widow of Bobby Byrd of 37 years) was also a member of the band during birth of FUNK, and she's still alive to speak of these facts. She's no stranger to these discussions, and had been on National/International news stations like CNN and other major news outlets in context to musical history.
It was Bobby who invited James a place to stay when James was a troubled teen. Not long after that, James joined the Avons, (a band Bobby had founded) then the Flames. As they say, the rest is
history.
Bobby Byrd passed away in 2007, his wife and family resides in Georgia.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article2484991.ece Peace and Love,
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 08, 2010)
