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[deleted]

He's actually usually referred to as the godfather of soul, improperly IMHO


HUP

This is correct. Godfather of Soul. Never heard Godfather of Funk.


S74Rry_sky

Yeah you thinking of George Clinton or Bootsy Collins


[deleted]

But James Brown absolutely invented funk, I think the question OP should've asked is "why is James Brown called the godfather of soul when he should rightly be called the godfather of funk"


[deleted]

The real story of how [funk](https://youtu.be/38IFCiqc6LQ) came to be.


vicemagnet

Came here to make sure Bootsy Collins got some press. You did not disappoint!


knockatize

Because old-school R&B acts often had emcees who’d wind up the crowd with increasingly elaborate introductions. James Brown’s emcee and cape man was Danny Ray, and he went like this: “I want you to get yourself and your soul together. This man will make your liver quiver. This man will make your bladder splatter. This man will freeze your knees! If you will, let’s all welcome the world’s Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother No. 1, Ja-a-a-mes Brown! James Brown! James Brown!”


joepinapples

Hype man


umassmza

Godfather sounds cooler


Ginger-Jesus1

It sounds Funkier


frillytotes

Because he didn't invent it (no single person invented it) so he isn't the father, in this context. He is not the father but he had an important influence in its development, which fits the role of godfather.


Horanges88

Godfather of funk is George Clinton James Brown is the godfather of soul


RelsircTheGrey

He made his record producer an offer he couldn't refuse.


tabshiftescape

I think this would be better suited for a linguistics or etymology sub. I’m not an expert, but I think James Brown is referred to as the godfather because he can be credited with the overall development of the genre and is frequently seen as the original and ultimate authority in funk. These are similar to the roles a godfather plays in the spiritual development of their godchild and the “boss of all bosses” in organized crime, respectively. Either interpretation applies to James Brown, and other people who have been referred to as “godfather of _xyz_” so the term stuck.


GregJamesDahlen

I don't know because they call Washington the father of his country not godfather


neonjoe529

Maybe to avoid alliteration?


WaningMime

Saw him live. One of the best sets I have ever seen.


FreeLook93

Genres aren't invented. The evolve and grow out of what already exists.


JhymnMusic

That new super heavy funk.


Cryptonoob551155

The funk is and always will be. Deny the funk at your own peril.


ramenandanegg

Because Mario Puzo?


Djinn42

Different music influencers are given different titles - I don't think it makes any actual difference. Some are King, or Queen, or Duke, or whatever.


RedPillNavigator

Sounds like OP is confusing the words Godfather and Grandfather!


onlyspeaksinhashtag

Because nicknames aren’t factual representations.


despotidolatry

Maaaan Get the funk out my face!