Sunday, July 15, 2007
The god-like black man on the TV screen, gyrating ferociously, owned the American psyche this night, lock, stock and barrel.
The animal-like energy and frenzy of amazing dance moves and primal screams mesmerized us all.
His glowing, shimmering "black-is-beautiful" face contorted with raw, honest emotion, aglow with sweat from the "hardest working man in show business."
He galvanized a nation. He certainly catapulted a generation of white boys to attack careers in real music with a vengeance.
Sure, Elvis, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones all had a decisively powerful grip on all of us music lovers. But they were inspired by black soulmasters like Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, all the Motown geniuses and other blues, gospel and R&B greats.
Then there was the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. He had an authority, delivered by a band of virtuosos so intensely rehearsed that their incredible work ethic and dedication verily exploded off the TV screen.
History was being made from the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater. I feel good indeed to watch it.
Way back then, in the roaring 1960s, my Amboy Dukes, like every other band across the country, had been imprinted by Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and all the black originators. I've heard the same rave out of everybody from Aerosmith to Billy Joel.
Meaningful white influences were few in the beginning. The professionalism and positive energy from these soul brothers was palpable.
They all carried themselves with pride, dignity and class — good role models for sure. I never heard a word, press release or lyric glorifying violence, crime, dope, getting drunk, or belittling or abusing women, much less any racist attacks against whites. I certainly never heard any of them belittling their own race.
It was absolutely wonderful. We all owe them much for such quality mentoring, both musically and socially.
There is no doubt that in many ways living my American Dream and flourishing in my musical career are direct results of their influence.
My pursuit of happiness has a soundtrack, and it has real black music on it.
So when I witness the vulgar depravity and racist suicide perpetrated by the 50 Cent bums of hip-hop and rap music, it breaks my heart.
The evil Ku Klux Klan surely must celebrate this crap, for it furthers the ruination of black America more efficiently that a Klan punk's noose.
Even Klansmen aren't stupid enough to attempt to stir such public hatred as these rap misfits do in their self-hatred.
Think about the repercussions: When was the last time you saw the Klan shoot or kill a black person? Yet behold black-on-black crime: shootings, stabbings, carjackings and more. Unbelievable and heartbreaking as it is, this cannibalism has a soundtrack. It's called hip-hop, and it has no soul.
If anyone is wondering why there have been no more televised hip-hop award shows recently, it is simply because at previous attempts, people began to randomly stab and shoot each other. Go figure.
I know all my heroes, from the late James Brown to B.B. King, felt and feel the same way about this sad state of anti-hero worship.
The slovenly, mumbling, nasty, overtly materialist bling-bling decadence of hiphop sends sick messages to young people: Get away with what you can. Crime pays. Bullet holes are a badge of honor.
James Brown is rolling over in his grave. Only the guilty need to feel guilty, but it is indeed widespread.
The criminal glorification of hip-hop has painfully intensified the difficulty for black parents to shake their children out of the grip of negativity.
Fortunately, there is always hope.
When I performed for the Marines at Camp Pendleton with Destiny's Child, I was blown away with the positive spirit and incredible talents of these gifted artists, especially the brilliant backing band of musicians.
You know infinite talent is out there. But until the hip-hop gangstas are forced to clean up their act, an ugly cloud will blanket a once-great segment of the entertainment world.
I pray for the day that the true legacy of the great James Brown is shown some respect by those for whom he set such high standards, and a new generation will get on the good foot and dance the good dance.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.
Comments
By emaibereame
Sep 4, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
ORANJESTAD, Aruba - Felix rapidly strengthened into a dangerous Category 5 hurricane and churned through the Caribbean Sea on a path toward Central America, where forecasters said it could make landfall as “potentially catastrophic” storm.
Felix was packing winds of up to 165 mph as it headed west, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. It was projected to skirt Honduras’ coastline on Tuesday before slamming into Belize on Wednesday.
“As it stands, we’re still thinking that it will be a potentially catastrophic system in the early portions of this week, Tuesday evening, possibly affecting Honduras and then toward the coast of Belize,” said Dave Roberts, a hurricane specialist at the center in Miami.
By Mac
Jul 30, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
It is sad. We still have this many racist people around here in the Waco. ******** is the ugly word. ******* is an adjective that has a different meaning in the street than the words *******." ******* is used to put down a black person." I'm just saying this to MCF but to the so-called black leaders.
I'm not proud that the rap you know the genre by is purely for profit. And what sells people? Sex, violence, and unadulterated bragging.
Rock and Roll was not seen in the positive light for a very long time. In fact when rap came around, that is when it became acceptable by "everyone."
Quit listening to the bad rap (pardon the pun) and listen to NAS or The Roots. Even Eminem has alienated himself from most of the black community with his very descriptive rants on killing Kim.
Last and not least, I see more new vehicles in East Waco everyday because some misunderstood rapper started writing about women mooching off us tax-paying citizens.
We are the reporters were even the most war harden news reporter wouldn't dare go. Listen and act. No more bigotry and no more saying something without doing it.
Ted you have a good point, but you are still missing it. We all have our problems. Let solve them.
There is another post I have on here. Read it and open your eyes blind people.
By Yowerman
Jul 26, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
You are iteresting as always. It might be fun and educational if you found someone as smart as yourself with a different opinion. It won't change your mind and maybe it shouldn't but you might be surprised and pleased that their are people out here with different opinions who can actually express themselves. I'm not referring to your column above which I agree with, but I've been reading you for a while and I've not noticed many who disagree who don't label themselves as idiots with their own words.
For the most part it's really difficult to find someone who is articulate, and is able to make you want to further examine your argument and conclusion. Most intelligent people (my definition) can come to completely different conclusions using the same facts.
When someone is sharp enough to cause me to reassess my position I cherish it. Most often they reinforce my own opinion but I'm a better man for it. Obvious as it may seem to some and not others, I'm flattered by anyone who can prove me wrong or convince me that I hadn't thought something through. No I don't claim to be that person but I have met a few. Thanks
By Gary Stanton
Jul 20, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
By 'Da Cat
Jul 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Every family needs to read his columns together, as a family! Keep on rockin' Ted!
Ain't this the truth. My son has become a Nuge follower from reading his FACTS in these weekly columns. Please carry on Nuge, your truths are enlightening to the uninformed.
By bonzai
Jul 18, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
This was even better the 2nd time I read it. ThankYou!
By 'Da Cat
Jul 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Every family needs to read his columns together, as a family! Keep on rockin' Ted!
By whatmeworry
Jul 17, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Rap music 101:
sample from a popular song then add incoherent lyrics throughout with the exception of a catch phrase such as "this is why I'm hot" or "party like a rockstar" make a video with half dressed women, expensive cars and other "bling". After people know you make some sort of political or social statement on TV to gain additional fans. Then collect large amounts of money. Next blow all of the money on ridiculous jewelery, houses, and cars. For that last week of fame try to get onto reality shows, land small gigs, or do something crazy to get attention. Finally return to the ghetto and collect welfare and food stamps.
By wacky
Jul 17, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I can't believe someone acutally quoted tupac. As far as rap goes I can't stand it. I see nothing creative about it nor long lasting (a couple of decades isn't long lasting). I think for the most part it is harmless and has been a debate that has gone on even prior to Elvis. It gives white kids a way to rebel, and black kids even more heroes to model their lives after. The positive influence of todays rap music can be seen in cities thoughout the U.S. Just head over to East Waco and you will see shiney plastic dubs on '85 buicks, fake 10 carat diamond earings, pit bulls, and even locally famous drug dealers. You can go check it out any time of the day since jobs aren't a part of their lifestyle. And yes I realize this is an over-generalization and that you know so and so that blah blah blah but I lived there for awhile and know that for the most part this is true.
By JK
Jul 17, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
The ONLY music worth listening to is on K-LOVE (88.1). Reason? It speaks only the truth for us all. What great lyrics to have stuck in your head, especially when you are faced with life's day to day struggles. You will not be disappointed if you give the music offered on this station a few days on your radio.
By PM
Jul 17, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Dear MCF,
Remember this spelling rule..." i before e except after c" and it will help you remember how to spell 'their'.
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