Fans have heard Fred Thomas on James Brown & The J.B.s’ “Pass the Peas,” “Hot Pants,” “Doing it to Death (Funky Good Time),” “Get on the Good Foot,” and other hits from the origins of funk. From 1971 to 2006, Fred Thomas of the J.B.’s was the primary bassist for the Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown.

Happy birthday to James Brown, the Godfather of Soul! Here at Grateful Web, we honor his profound impact on the music world, detailing his most celebrated songs, his enduring influence in soul and R&B, his effect on modern artists, his iconic role in the "Rocky" movies, and his unmistakable swagger and style. Let's dive deep into the legacy of one of the most dynamic and influential figures in music history.

1. Top 10 Songs

Funk legend Maceo Parker is set to release his first studio album in eight years, ‘Soul Food - Cooking with Maceo,’ on June 26th. His 16th solo album and first release on Mascot Label Group's new imprint, The Funk Garage, the album finds Parker signature punchy saxophone sound partnering with New Orleans Funk royalty to cook up a fresh selection of Soul and Funk classics, as well as Parker originals.

Woven with the threads of funk, soul, gospel, blues and rock -- and executed by some of the industry's most beloved players -- The Big Ol' Nasty Getdown's Volume 2 is available worldwide today. Collaborators on this release include Vernon Reid (Living Colour,) Speech (Arrested Development,) Larry Dunn (Earth, Wind and Fire,) Fred Wesley(The James Brown Band), Taylor Dayne and countless other talented musicians.

When the legendary James Brown issued his famous early 70s edict to “Make It Funky”, trombonist Fred Wesley answered the call. As the leader and musical director for Brown's renowned backing band The JBs, Wesley is largely responsible for the arrangements heard on some of the Godfather of Soul’s biggest hits.

Everybody knows that flashy exterior of James Brown ("I Got You [I Feel Good]," "Papa's Got a Brand new Bag," "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"): the dazzling dance moves, the impeccable wardrobe, the extravagant visual style, and most of all those signature grunts, moans and yells -- which all belonged to one of the greatest entertainers of our time.

'Godfather of Soul' James Brown dies at 73.  Grateful Web sends our thoughts to his friends, family and fans.