James Brown: 1933-2006

Update: The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, soul legend and funk architect James Brown, passed away early Monday morning at Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta from what is thought to be cardiac arrest resulting from a sudden weekend bout with pneumonia. Brown had visited his dentist on Friday, where he was first made aware of his deteriorating physical condition, according to his agent, Frank Copsidas. The singer had assured fans from his hospital bed on Sunday that he'd be fine, even promising them he'd keep his scheduled New Year's Eve appearance in New York City at B.B. King's Blues Club. But early Christmas morning, according to friend Charles Bobbit, Brown said, "I'm going away tonight." He passed away a short time later at 1:45 am EST.

Tributes continue to pour in for the late icon. Mick Jagger: "His passing is a huge loss to music... he was a whirlwind of energy and precision, and he was always very generous and supportive to me in the early days of The Stones." Snoop Dogg: "I am hurt. That's my godfather, my soul inspiration." US President George W. Bush even chimed in, calling Brown "an American original."

The legendary performer, also known as the Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother No. 1, is survived by his fourth wife, Tomi Rae Hynie, a backup singer who was denied entrance to his Beech Island, SC home Tuesday at the behest of laywers. (The validity of the union is apparently in question.) Brown also leaves behind at least four children: sons Daryl and James Brown II, and two daughters, including Venisha, who told reporters Monday: "I know the whole world loved him just as much as we loved him, so we're not mourning by ourselves." Brown's body will be on public display at New York City's Apollo Theater on Thursday, followed by a private service on Friday in his hometown of Augusta, GA, and then another public memorial at the city's James Brown Arena on Saturday. You can leave condolences and rememberances by clicking on "comments" below.