James Brown dies today at the age of 73.
The Godfather of Soul was taken to hospital in Atlanta, Ga. for what seemed to be severe pneumonia early Christmas morning ... but it wasn't long after that he passed away with his friend Charles Bobbit at his side.
Brown produced more than 119 chart-topping singles, including such hits as "Please, Please, Please", "I Feel Good" & "It's a Man's World," & has sold over 500 million records since he became a professional musician in 1953.

Brown married 4 times & is now survived by his fourth wife Tomi Rae, whom he wed in 2002. They have one son, James jr. But Brown has 3 kids from his previous marriages.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a friend of Brown since 1955, said: "He was dramatic to the end – dying on Christmas Day. Almost a dramatic, poetic moment. He'll be all over the news all over the world today. He would have it no other way."
Rest in peace ...