James Brown, 'The Godfather of Soul,' was the architect of funk music. He shifted the focus of music from melody to rhythm, emphasizing 'The One'—the first beat of the measure. His 1967 hit 'Cold Sweat' is often cited as the first true funk song. Brown was legendary for his disciplined live shows and his showmanship, including his famous 'cape routine' where he would appear exhausted only to spring back into action. He was also a pivotal social figure; his 1968 song 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' became a defining statement of Black identity. As the most sampled artist in history, Brown's rhythmic innovations provided the fundamental DNA for hip-hop music. His legacy as the 'Hardest Working Man in Show Business' remains unchallenged.