"We have lost yet another prolific artist and one of America's greatest cultural icons. My heart goes out to all of his family. He taught so many valuable lessons through his music in such a positive way. I celebrate his career for his words of inspiration. "This is a man's world but it would be nothing without a woman..." In a time of racial segregation when we needed to know that black wasn't bad he taught us to be proud. Having personally taught me how to get on
the "good foot" I'll never forget our performances together. All these memories will live on in my heart forever. He is the example of what you do with what God gives you. He was not only the Godfather of Soul, he was the Godfather to the entire music industry. James Brown was the greatest. He was the best! He was a real man,one who fought so desperately to change the minds of a crippled
world...a world of ignorance and separation. He was one that always lifted his hand to help those in need. God Blessed us with James Brown. The Heavenly Father
has called him home where he will be rewarded for the love, heart, spirit, andsoul he blessed us all with. I guess God just couldn't take seeing the Soul Brotha #1 from the nosebleed seats anymore. I will miss you, my friend."

People magazine also had an exclusive with Usher on James Brown: "Usher had a very special reason to grieve the late music legend James Brown: After their duet at the 2005 Grammys, the "Godfather of Soul" anointed the Confessions singer the "Godson of Soul." "It couldn't have been more of a pleasure to be recognized by James Brown," Usher, 28, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "James Brown introduced me to soul. Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be. I learned showmanship from him." Brown impressed Usher from the moment they began preparing for their duet. "We're in the rehearsals for the performance and James Brown arrives on time," Usher says. "This is not something the new school of performers knows anything about. Mr. Brown was in a class by himself." The elder singer also revealed the secret of getting off on the right foot – literally. "One look at my sneakers and he laughed, saying, 'You gonna fool around and break your ankles with those. You gotta have on the right shoes for your movement to be smooth.' I'll never forget it." But when Brown gave Usher the ultimate compliment, it came as a complete surprise. "Man, when he called me the 'Godson of Soul,' I damn near fell out backstage," Usher says. "Truth be told, I was so excited while on stage that I didn't even know that he gave me that name. It wasn't until I was backstage in my dressing room and someone from my staff told me he named me that. Then I actually saw a replay of the awards show."