NEW YORK — Watching James Brown as he spins and dances across the stage, it's hard to believe that the Godfather of Soul is a senior citizen.
The Georgia native turns 67 in May. But he shows no signs of slowing down, still belting out "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Living in America" at clubs across the country.
Brown has had his share of troubles: He served a prison term from 1988 to 1991 on assault and weapons charges stemming from a police chase. He avoided prison in 1998 after agreeing to get treatment for an addiction to painkillers.
Last year, an employee was charged with arson for a fire at James Brown Enterprises in Augusta, Ga. The fire destroyed unreleased material from his live concert at the Apollo Theater plus other Brown memorabilia.
Still, Brown's troubles haven't overshadowed his achievements, which include induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
1: Why do people call you "the hardest working man in show business"?
Brown: I really don't have to work no more. I work because I love music and because God made me somebody who can do some good things. I want to do these things.
2: What do you think of the new generation of musicians?
Brown: I think the young musicians are like any other musicians. They are going forward. They don't have road maps and things to follow like I did. I had the Apollo and different things at that time. But they're going to find their way. Just one thing about it: When people come to see them, they want to see you clean. Don't get so down you get down beyond what you are playing.
3: You've had problems with drugs in the past. How are you feeling these days?
Brown: We're great, fantastic. I am not bitter about anything. I just want to keep on doing and I enjoy doing it. I am going to strut my stuff if it is all right.
4: What about past troubles? Finished?
Brown: Everybody has troubles, son.
5: What does New York mean to you?
Brown: I like to come to New York at anytime because people from all over the world are here. It's always good to play where people know you, and one thing about New York, if you have been anywhere in the world, they have been there.