ATLANTA, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Many believe U.S. soul legend James Brown's death was related to his rigorous work ethic, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Several friends of Brown's reportedly told sources that Brown had been ill and had struggled with a cold in recent weeks.
Brown, known as the "hardest working man in show business, died Christmas Day in Atlanta of congestive heart failure at age 73.
Brown also had recent dental surgery. The dentist who treated him told the Journal-Constitution that he had advised Brown to slow his schedule down to heal from the surgery, but Brown insisted on appearing at several upcoming shows.
During his dynamite career, Brown produced such hits as "Say it Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)," "Make It Funky" and "Living in America,"
The Rev. Al Sharpton is reportedly set to preside over Brown's funeral, where many will mourn and remember the man known as the godfather of soul.
"James Brown's legacy is one of the greatest. He crossed all boundaries of music and people. He was soul, funk, rock and roll and hip-hop," said hip-hop personality Greg Street of radio station V-103.
