Post #106710 by donhonyc on Fri, Aug 6, 2004 4:10 PM

I just saw this news on CNN.com and I'm truly shocked. It's ironic...I was planning on going to my 20 year high school reunion this weekend but opted out because I had work commitments that I couldn't pass up. Rick James was such a great part of the soundtrack back then. It's amazing how some musicians can write a song that becomes so much a part of your life that even if you don't consider yourself a big fan of theirs, you actually are and don't even know it. 'Super Freak' ("room 714, I'll be waiting" that was so hot!), and 'Give it to Me Baby" were such huge hits in the early 80s and Rick James was arguably one of the last of the pre-MTV era performers that had a larger than life persona. Oh yeah his earlier hit 'You and I" was also amazing.

The 'Behind the Music' VH1 did on him a few years back was also amazing. I was surprised to find out about his work with Neil Young and the guys from Steppenwolf during his AWOL days from the Navy back in the 60s. Pretty cool. After he did his jail time he appeared humbled by prison and the mistakes he made getting there. Hopefully the remainder of his lif was pleasant.

I'm gonna go put on my vinyl copy of 'Street Songs'. Haven't played that thing in ages. Rest in peace Super Freak.